Mexico striker Raul Jimenez has said he will voluntarily step aside if he is not completely fit by the time coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino announces his World Cup squad later this month.
Jimenez, who has only played four matches this season with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, was recovering from injuries to his knee and groin, but said his recovery has been slower than expected.
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The 31-year-old fears he will not be ready for their World Cup Group C opener against Poland on Nov. 22 but is not losing hope.
“I am working with the ball, separated from the group, but I am already warming up with the team and I can do various things,” Jimenez told ESPN Mexico.
“I’m not ready to compete yet. Physically I feel good, even though it’s been (more than) two months since my last match.
“The squad list is due on Nov. 14. If I don’t feel up to it by then, that’s as far as it goes and I wish the team the best of luck.”
