Fox: Mexico head coach sent message to Gimenez amid surgery decision

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made a promise to Santiago Gimenez before his decision to undergo surgery, according to a report.

Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that Gimenez will miss most of the rest of the season after undergoing an operation to fix an ankle issue that has been bugging him for some time. More specifically, he is expected to sit out for three or even four months, leading to reports claiming his Milan fate is sealed.

Aguirre’s encouragement

Naturally, the situation has sparked concern among Mexican national team fans, who fear that he might not be ready for the World Cup in the summer, for which they are one of the host nations along with the United States and Canada.

However, according to Santiago Fourcade from Fox (via SoyFutbol), Mexico boss Javier Aguirre has assured Giménez that his spot in the World Cup is guaranteed if he stays healthy, having sent the striker a message.

“I just need you to be healthy, then we’ll discuss the pace you can have, but if you’re healthy, I’m taking you to the World Cup,” were Aguirre’s words, according to the journalist. The exact date of Giménez’s return to the field is uncertain, but he is expected to be back between March and April.

His recovery could yet be crucial for Milan, who are currently fighting for the Serie A title and have just one natural striker in Niklas Füllkrug. However, it is hard to deny that everything feels geared towards the big tournament that starts in June.