Captain Rafael Marquez has been ruled out of Mexico's final two Copa America group matches with a hamstring injury ahead of Monday's clash against Group A leaders Chile at Estadio Nacional.
The 36-year-old Hellas Verona defender limped off after 64 minutes of his country's goalless draw against Bolivia on Friday and was assessed on Saturday - stating previously that he would not take part unless he was fully fit.
Mexico currently sit second in the standings after the opening round and will be aiming to oust Chile from the top spot with victory on Monday.
A statement on the Mexican Football Federation's official website, read: "After the discomfort suffered during the match against Bolivia, Rafael Marquez underwent medical tests in Santiago on Saturday which showed a grade 1-2 rectus muscle (tear) of the left thigh hamstring.
"The estimated recovery (time for) this type of injury is seven to 10 days."
Marquez was earlier reported as saying on www.ca2015.com: "I have hurt my thigh, and I will have to have it assessed in 48 hours to see how it is. I don't want to miss the next game but if I am not 100 per cent I will not play."
The former Barcelona man is confident his team-mates can go on and beat Chile when they meet in two days' time ahead of their final group match, Friday's clash with bottom side Ecuador at Estadio El Teniente.
He added: " Now we need to be at our best against Chile, but we believe we can get a result."
Mexico head to the Estadio Nacional trailing their opponents by two points following the hosts' 2-0 victory on the opening night of the tournament against Ecuador.
And Chile defender Gary Medel is confident his country can go all the way in the competition as he considers the squad "the best generation ever in Chile".
Inter Milan's Medel, who will win his 72nd cap for his national team on Monday, told a press conference: "This is the best generation ever in Chile, but we need to win something in order to demonstrate that we are the best generation and give the Chilean people a reason to celebrate.
"Self-criticism is always there for us. Always there are things we could improve. Of course, the game against Ecuador being our first match at home proved difficult for us in that sense.
"We know how to go forward and win, which is the fundamental thing.
"What identifies us is a high level of pressure. We have already demonstrated this in difficult matches. That's what he know how to do. We don't sit back and wait for our opponents.
"Our style is to attack with lots of pressure in order to win the ball and inflict the biggest pain possible."
Source: PA
