Marquez, Blanco among Mexico call-ups

A pair of European-based players highlight Mexico's roster for the final two Hexagonal matches, but only one made the cut.

Notable by his absence is Tottenham's Giovani dos Santos, who injured his ankle and will need time to recover before participating for Mexico once more. Dos Santos has been a key figure for El Tri since Javier Aguirre took over in the spring, but the team must do without him.

Back in the mix is former captain Rafael Marquez, who has been unable to play for Aguirre due to injury. Marquez was injured for Mexico's World Cup qualifiers in June, Aguirre's first games with El Tri, and was unavailable for the match against the U.S. on Aug. 12, though he had been called into the squad originally.

Also on the team are youngsters Omar Arellano and Enrique Esqueda, who saw action against Colombia on Wednesday.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who missed last weekend's match with Chicago due to a hamstring injury, was among the call-ups.

Mexico play El Salvador on Oct. 10 and will clinch a berth in the World Cup with a win.

Roster

Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa (America), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul).

Defenders: Efrain Juarez (Pumas), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Jonny Magallon (Chivas), Carlos Salcido (PSV), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Jose Antonio Castro (Tigres), Oscar Rojas (America).

Midfielders: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas), Andres Guardado (Pumas), Pablo Barrera (Pumas).

Forwards: Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Miguel Sabah (Morelia), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Enrique Esqueda (America), Omar Arellano (Chivas). --Goal.com