JJ Macías unlikely to start Copa por México final for Chivas | OneFootball

Chivas are expected to err on the side of caution and start Ángel Zaldívar up front against Cruz Azul in Sunday’s Copa por México final.

Star striker José Juan Macías sustained a muscle injury in the 4-3 semi-final win over América on Thursday, leading to several outlets predicting the omission of the 20-year-old.

Macías has notched four goals in the tournament, including the fastest goal in El Clásico history when gave the Flock the lead against their fierce rivals after just 19 seconds.

Despite his superb form, Los Rojiblancos are set to proceed with caution ahead of the start of the Apertura (rebranded as Guard1anes 2020) next weekend.

TUDN reports that club doctors will assess Macías on Sunday morning to see if he has recovered sufficiently to travel with the squad to Mexico City for the final.

Zaldívar only recently returned to Chivas after spending 18 months out on loan, but is expected to get the nod to lead the line ahead of veteran attacker Oribe Peralta.

Zaldívar replaced Macías at half-time in the semi-final against América, and scored nine minutes from time to put Chivas 3-2 in front.

The Guadalajara side will open their Guard1anes campaign at home to León next Saturday.