GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Edgar Castillo’s facial injury is not as serious as first thought and the Club Tijuana left back could make the US national team's World Cup qualifiers later this month after all.
The 26-year-old left back won't need a metal plate inserted into his cheek as first expected after suffering three broken facial bones during the first half in last Saturday’s game against Atlas after colliding with Leandro Cufré's shoulder.
The initial prognosis was that he would be out for 30 days, but after the good news following surgery on Monday, Castillo should be back to full training within two weeks.
READ: Joe Corona stars as Club Tijuana top Corinthians in Copa Libertadores
After that, he will have to get used to playing with a facial mask, but it does put him in the frame for Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad for Hexagonal matches against Costa Rica on March 22 in Denver and in Estadio Azteca against Mexico on March 26.
Castillo has been in top form during 2013, playing an important part in Tijuana’s league and Copa Libertadores success.
Teammates held up a banner reading, “Edgar, we are with you,” before Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores game against Corinthians, which Xolos won 1-0.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
