Alex Padilla set for Mexico debut

Alex Padilla is preparing to make his debut for Mexico: the goalkeeper is due to play his first senior international match on Tuesday, in a friendly against Chile. He has been called up by Mexico several times but has yet to make a senior appearance. He holds Mexican nationality through his mother. The team is coached by Rafa Márquez.

Padilla was a substitute in the three earlier matches of this FIFA window. Tuesday is therefore set to begin his international career. In Márquez’s first squad as national-team coach, goalkeepers Rangel and Oscar García shared the playing time against Colombia, Peru and the United States. Padilla was the only player selected by Márquez who did not feature in a match during that call-up.

He is due back at Athletic on Thursday to resume training. The club has both of its goalkeepers called up by Spain and Mexico, so the Bilbao Athletic and Basconia keepers have worked with Terzic in recent days. The coach has not yet made public his plans for the early rounds of the Cup: Padilla could play, or Simón could retain the starting place he has in the league.

Athletic is due to return to training this afternoon, with the draw for its first Cup tie scheduled for midday.