Mexico’s Héctor Herrera and Andres Guardado sidelined for Iceland friendly

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — On the eve of Mexico’s international friendly against Iceland at Levi’s Stadium, head coach Juan Carlos Osorio announced that both Héctor Herrera and Andres Guardado have been sidelined and will not be in the squad for Friday night’s game.

Herrera has been a mainstay for Osorio’s squad since the head coach took over the program two and a half years ago, earning 28 caps in that span. He will also miss Mexico’s game against Croatia on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, Osorio confirmed.

Guardado is aiming to make his fourth straight World Cup roster for Mexico this summer, but fitness issues will keep him from playing against Iceland, Osorio said. The 31 year old midfielder has become a leader of sorts for El Tri, and the Real Betis midfielder is expected to bring his experience and wisdom to the team in Russia.

Forward Raul Jimenez, who also spoke at Mexico’s pre-match press conference on Thursday, is expected to lead the forward line for El Tri against Iceland. Along with Los Angeles Football Club star Carlos Vela, the two attackers will be the focal point of Osorio’s offense, one that will look to pressure Iceland in possession whenever possible.

“In terms of the offense, tomorrow we will put our opponent to the test with a very elaborate style of football,” Osorio said. “We will try to do this with our numerical superiority.”