The 2026 Apertura hasn’t even started yet, and alarm bells are already ringing in Coapa. Just when fans were hoping to see Alejandro Zendejas leading the Azulcrema attack again after his World Cup appearance, the outlook has changed completely. The player won’t be ready for América’s season opener—news that deals a major blow to Guillermo Almada’s plans heading into the start of the league campaign.
Expectations were high. After several weeks of training with the U.S. national team during the 2026 World Cup, Zendejas returned to training with the rest of the World Cup players, including Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, and Brian Rodríguez. However, the América winger will not be able to join the competition immediately due to a medical procedure that will keep him off the field.
Club América reported that the player successfully underwent joint debridement on his right knee. Although the procedure went well, the club did not provide an estimated return date, as his recovery will depend on his progress. This uncertainty leaves more questions than answers just before the start of the championship.
Zendejas’ absence weighs more heavily than usual because he was one of the team’s standout players during the previous tournament. His ability to create danger on the wings, his speed, and his knack for generating scoring opportunities made him an indispensable part of the offensive scheme. Now, América will have to find solutions without one of its most impactful players.
Furthermore, the situation comes at a difficult time for the Águilas. The squad is still adjusting under Guillermo Almada, and the transfer market hasn’t yielded enough new signings to make up for a loss of this caliber. This forces the coaching staff to rethink their offensive options starting from the very first matchday.
The Azulcrema’s season opener is this Saturday against Querétaro, a match in which the team will look to get off on the right foot despite the challenges. However, attention will also be focused on Zendejas’ progress, as his recovery will be closely followed by América fans.
Meanwhile, at Coapa, all that’s left to do is wait. América begins a new season with the obligation to fight for the title, but also with the task of overcoming an absence that could shape the first few weeks of the 2026 Apertura. If the team manages to rise to the occasion without one of its key players, it will send a message of strength right from the start. Otherwise, Alejandro Zendejas’s absence could become one of the season’s first major challenges.
