Cruz Azul will face a key Apertura 2026 matchday 10 clash with a depleted squad. The game against league leaders Toluca, scheduled for September 26 at the Estadio Banorte, falls during the FIFA international break, leaving La Máquina without three key starters.
Erik Lira, Jeremy Márquez, and goalkeeper Kevin Mier have been called up by their national teams and will be unavailable. Márquez's absence is particularly significant, as the forward is the team's top scorer this season with three goals in nine appearances. His attacking threat will be missed in a fixture where every chance matters.
Absences on both sides
The situation is not unique to Cruz Azul. The visiting Toluca side also arrives with important absences for the same reason. Jesús Gallardo, Everardo López, and Federico Viñas will also be unavailable for their club, which could somewhat balance the deficiencies on the pitch. This match, therefore, will test the depth of both squads and the managers' ability to reconfigure their setups.
For Cruz Azul, who sit fourth in the table with 15 points, this game represents a direct opportunity to cut the four-point gap to the leaders. The team arrives after suffering two consecutive defeats, against Inter Miami and Monterrey, so getting back to winning ways is urgent. Their last victory over Toluca was a 1-3 away win this past July, a fact that may provide some confidence.
The manager will have to find internal solutions to cover the gaps. In goal, Mier's absence opens the door for the backup keeper, while adjustments will be needed in midfield and attack. The full squad list and the schedule of upcoming fixtures can be checked on our squad and fixtures pages.
The match is scheduled for 21:00 on Thursday, September 26. With both teams affected by call-ups, the clash at the Ciudad de los Deportes promises to be a battle of alternatives and determination, with high stakes in the fight for the Apertura 2026 lead.
Further reading: Record MX
