Mexico calls in Palencia with Blanco in doubt

Manager Javier Aguirre has recalled Francisco "Paco" Palencia to Mexico's roster for its final two World Cup qualifiers as Cuauhtémoc Blanco's participation seems less likely due to an injury obtained while on duty with his club team, the Chicago Fire.

"The medical staff of the national team performed some tests and saw some improvement," the Mexican federations said in a statement. "However, Cuauhtémoc Blanco will continue his recovery and it will be determined whether he is at 100 percent to participate in the game vs. El Salvador on Oct. 10."

"For that reason the technical team made the decision to call the player from Pumas de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Juan Franciso Palencia, who will report to the national team on Wednesday."

The Pumas player has played with the national team on 78 previous occasions, scoring 11 goals in the process.

Aguirre has shown a trend toward players he is familiar with from his earlier days as national team coach, even calling in Oscar Perez, the 2002 goalkeeper, in for some games early in his return stint as coach.