Gilberto Mora is a star.
Mexico fans have been counting down the days until the Club Tijuana star turned 18 and became eligible for a move to Europe, with many of the biggest clubs in the world keeping tabs on the midfielder, who has been suiting up for the national team since he was 16.
But those fans haven't seen Mora on the field lately. That could change soon.
Mora is in Mexico City as Xolos prepare to meet Club América on Oct. 28 in a match rescheduled from Sept. 5 because of Las Aguilas' progression in Leagues Cup.
Being part of the traveling squad hints at a return to action, though it's not clear if he is fit to start for manager Sebastian Abreu's team or if he'll feature in a substitute role.
Mora hasn't seen the field since Rafa Marquez's debut as Mexico manager.In that game, the teenager scored to help El Tri to a 1-1 draw with Colombia.
🚨 ¡VÍSTETE, GILBERTO MORA! 😍🇲🇽 ¡GOLAZO DE MÉXICO! 🇲🇽🔥 ¡GOLAZO DE MORITA! 🔥😍 ¡GOLAZO DEL #10 DE LA SELECCIÓN! 🔟🇲🇽🔥#LaEraDeRafa pic.twitter.com/Q9jQbjFrmg
— TUDN MEX (@TUDNMEX) September 27, 2026
But after the second match of the September-October window, as the Mexico players who didn't play in the game against Peru went through a training session, Mora picked up a knock. He missed El Tri's game with the United States and returned to Tijuana before the finale of the window against Chile.
What injury is keeping Gilberto Mora out?
After the training session incident, TUDN reported that an ankle issue had put Mora's status in doubt, though local reports in Tijuana suggested there were some at the club concerned about a return of the sports hernia that caused Mora to miss time in the Clausura.
A potential return a month later, though, suggests there isn't anything long-term to worry about, with Mora set to help his club in the playoff push and in the postseason.
Mora has scored five goals in seven Liga MX matches this season. Tijuana enters the match against first-place América sitting in eighth with four matches left to play. The top eight teams in the table qualify for the postseason, so the team would be thrilled to see Mora return if he is fully fit.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Gilberto Mora play for Xolos tonight vs. Club America?
