Monterrey defender Sergio Ramos will miss the team's decisive Play-In match against Pumas, club sources confirmed Sunday. The veteran Spanish player did not arrive with the squad at the stadium ahead of the contest.
Ramos sustained a muscle injury during Monterrey's final regular season game against Leon. He was substituted during that match and has not trained with the main group since.
The absence comes as a blow to Rayados, who are playing their final opportunity to qualify for the Liguilla, the Clausura 2025 playoff phase.
Earlier in the week, coach MartÃn Demichelis had expressed hope for Ramos's participation. Demichelis noted the defender was working diligently to be available for selection.
However, Ramos's continued absence from team training sessions in the days leading up to the match signaled his unlikely inclusion. Demichelis has typically not played individuals who are unable to train fully with the squad.
Other Spanish players on the Monterrey roster, Sergio Canales and Óliver Torres, had been training normally and were available for selection. Sergio Canales returned to group training earlier in the week, with Óliver Torres joining later.
Monterrey lost their initial Play-In match to Pachuca, leaving them with one remaining chance against Pumas to advance to the quarterfinals. The winner of Sunday's match will secure the final berth in the knockout stage. The match is scheduled to take place at the BBVA Stadium.
Monterrey coach MartÃn Demichelis had previously said, "Sergio Ramos is doing the impossible to be there on Sunday."
