GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Eddie Johnson will not be playing for Mexican Primera División side Puebla after all, according to reports in the Mexican press on Monday. The reason? He's not fit enough.
“He arrived under the condition that we would take a look at the player, as he hadn't played for a long time,” Puebla spokesperson Hugo Fernández is quoted as saying in various media outlets, including Televisa. "He didn't pass the test in three training sessions … and he's not staying."
Puebla confirmed to MLSsoccer.com late last month that the former US international was set to sign with La Franja on arrival, but reports emerged that he would first have to prove himself at Puebla, where fellow American DaMarcus Beasley has proven to be a big hit.
The 27-year-old from Palm Coast, Fla., started training with Puebla last Friday as the team continues its preparation for its first game of the Clausura 2012 tournament, which starts this weekend.
The club has also been plagued by the rumor that new head coach Juan Carlos Osorio could take the reins of the Colombian national team, just six weeks after the former New York Red Bulls coach was introduced by the Mexican side.
Puebla have not yet released a statement on the Johnson situation, but are thought to be looking for a new striker to take the former FC Dallas and Kansas City man's place.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America. He can be reached via tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
