Blake, who was expected to be able to arrive at the Reggae Boyz’s last training session before Jaime Lozano’s debut against El Tri, was not present at said practice, so his absence in Saturday night’s game is a fact.
Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrímsson will have to rely on his other three options in goal: Shaquan Davis, Coniah Boyce-Clarke or Jahmail Waite.
The absence of Andre Blake, at least for the first match of the tournament, is added to the absence of Leon Bailey, an Aston Villa forward who gave up playing in the Copa América with the Reggae Boyz.
Although Mexico is a big favorite against Jamaica to take the first three points, Hallgrímsson highlighted the maturity he has had with his team and the individual quality.
“We are pleased with how we have progressed as a team. We are growing as a group in all areas of the game. We are fast and we have improved tactically, that is our strength at the moment. We are improving collectively, but we have good individuals.
“Mexico is always going to be Mexico no matter who plays. Their players are aggressive, direct, fast and we have to be very compact if we want to beat them, we have to play a ten game.”
