Edson Alvarez sparks questions over West Ham United relationship with Mexico after injury
Edson Alvarez’s absence from his national team squad has seen questions raised in Mexico over their relationship with West Ham by Alberto Bernard.
The Record journalist demanded answers on the outlet’s website on 4 September, questioning why the midfielder was left out after playing three times for the Hammers upon recovery from injury this term.
The former Ajax star was hurt playing for Mexico at the Copa America in the summer but started the previous two games against Bournemouth and Manchester City.
He wrote, translated to English: “Why was Edson Álvarez not called up? Because he was injured? Then, because the week before the FIFA date he played three games, he came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace, he started in the Cup against Bournemouth and also at the weekend he played a great game against Manchester City, starting as a starter with Guido Rodríguez in the defence and then as a centre-back.
“Did Machín [Alvarez] ask not to be called up? After he was injured in the last Copa América and took a long time to recover, or does the National Team Commission still not have the capacity to manage the relationship with the clubs?
“Did Chucky [Alvarez] decide not to come with El Tri [Mexico]? Or was he not called up? We all have that doubt after Rafa Márquez visited him in the Netherlands, spoke with him and in the end he did not appear in the first call-up.
“Who said no?”
Julen Lopetegui starts West Ham star in consecutive games
Alvarez may be fit again, but only just, and after missing all of preseason and the start of the new campaign after being injured on international duty it would have been a major frustration for Julen Lopetegui if there was a repeat over the break.
Since Mexico’s next three games all appear to be friendlies there doesn’t look much to be gained for the 26-year-old to fly long distance for the matches so soon after getting back to action.
If anything it probably suggests there is a reasonable understanding between the Hammers and the Mexico set up that he has been left out this time in light of his recovery.
It would be no surprise to see him back involved for his country the next time there are competitive fixtures and he has been playing regularly under Loptegui.
Despite the arrival of Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer this summer and Andy Irving returning from his loan it looks like the new manager sees Alvarez as his top defensive midfield option, so any risks have been averted over the next fortnight.
In other West Ham news, wage demands have emerged as the Hammers close in on signing a Will Salthouse client.
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