Montes, Peralta out for Mexico friendlies

Luis Montes and Oribe Peralta withdrew from the Mexico squad to face Trinidad & Tobago and Argentina after sustaining injuries this weekend.

Club América forward Peralta dropped out after sustaining a lower back injury in Club América’s 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul on Saturday, while Club León midfielder Montes pulled out after straining the back of his right thigh in a 3-1 victory over Toluca on Sunday.

Interim Mexico boss Ricardo Ferretti ignored the potential claims of Giovani dos Santos and Jonathan dos Santos as he named Tigres UANL defender Israel Jimenez and Club Tijuana midfielder Henry Martin as the replacements.

Jimenez presents a familiar alternative at right back. Ferretti left the Olympic gold medalist out of his initial 23-man squad released on Thursday, but he threw the 26-year-old an international lifeline after the withdrawals. The reliable performer hopes to threaten Paul Aguilar’s usual place on the right side.

Martin enters the national team picture for the first time after an assured start this season and a goal in the Xolos' 2-1 victory over Morelia on Saturday. The 22-year-old forward completes a dramatic rise through the ranks after joining Tijuana at the start of the 2014 Apertura from Ascenso MX side Merida. He takes up a spot in a crowded forward group including Javier Hernandez, Raúl Jimenez and Carlos Vela.

Both players hope to feature at some stage and stake their claims as El Tri face T&T in Sandy, Utah on Friday and play Argentina in Arlington, Tex. on Sept. 8.