Club de Fútbol Monterrey have welcomed top scorer Lucas Ocampos back to full training ahead of the derby against América, though a potential injury to Stefan Medina casts doubt on the defensive setup. Matías Almeyda's squad resumed work on Tuesday with the positive news of the Argentine's return after he missed the last league match against Atlante with a right leg muscle strain.
Ocampos had been training individually for several days and traveled with the team to Houston for the friendly against Toluca to continue his recovery, though he was not selected for that match. He now rejoins the main group and will fight for a starting spot this weekend, competing directly with Luca Orellano and Jesús Manuel Corona for a place on the wing. His comeback is key for a Monterrey side sitting 10th in Liga MX on 13 points, needing a win against the second-placed team. Ocampos is the team's leading scorer this season with five goals in seven appearances.
Defensive concern
The less encouraging update concerns defender Stefan Medina. The right-back trained separately on Tuesday due to a knock sustained during the friendly in Houston. He will undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury and whether he can recover in time for Matchday 11. His potential absence forces a reshuffle in Monterrey's back line.
International absences
The session also took place without several players away on international duty. Víctor Guzmán and Orbelín Pineda are set to feature for Mexico's senior team against Chile tonight and are expected back tomorrow. Meanwhile, Iker Fimbres and Omar Galvez joined the group after their call-up to the Under-23s, and Aldo Patricio De Nigris and Francisco Valenzuela have reported back from duty with the Under-20s following their tour of Spain.
Monterrey have three more days of training before traveling to Mexico City to face América at the Estadio Azteca. The last meeting between the sides, in early September, ended in a 2-2 draw.
Background and full detail: abcnoticias.mx
