The first National Classic for Antonio Briseño of Chivas and Giovani Dos Santos of America did not turn out as expected. The rojiblanco defender made a hard tackle on the forward, who suffered a serious injury that will keep him out of the field for several weeks, and 'Pollo' was given a sporting punishment by the Disciplinary Commission.
According to the medical staff of the Águilas, Giovani will be out for six weeks, so he will miss the rest of the Regular Phase of the Apertura 2019. The former LA Galaxy player will not be able to play against Cruz Azul, Necaxa, Puebla, Atlético San Luis, Santos, and Veracruz.
However, Dos Santos also runs the risk of missing the start of the Liguilla if América manages to finish among the top eight in the tournament. In ESPN's Futbol Picante, Dr. Gerardo Meraz revealed that 'Gio' could be out for up to 8 weeks, so he would not be part of the Quarterfinals.
During Dos Santos' absence, Andrés Ibargüen seems to be the main candidate to fill his place. The coach of the azulcremas, Miguel Herrera, has several options to replace Giovani, but the Colombian is emerging as his ideal substitute.
On the other hand, Briseño was penalized by the Commission with four games and will miss the matches against Pumas, Rayados, FC Juárez, and Xolos de Tijuana. It is worth mentioning that the center back can be considered to play until the match against Toluca in Round 17.
The new rojiblanco coach, Luis Fernando Tena, could cover the absence of Antonio Briseño with Hiram Mier, who has already recovered from his injury and would be able to be part of the starting lineup.