Aarón Mejía could make first minutes as Jardine benches Kevin Álvarez for Puebla
André Jardine will give Kevin Álvarez a break for América’s Jornada 7 match against Puebla, and aarón mejía is expected to step into the starting right-back role this Friday — a move Jardine framed as rest for a player under pressure.
Jardine announced the change in a press conference ahead of the Torneo Clausura 2026 fixture, saying Kevin Álvarez will be a substitute while Aarón Mejía starts. The coach said the decision aims to relieve the 27-year-old of the recent criticism and accumulated minutes, and to keep him in the squad long term if he remains focused in training.
Aarón Mejía to start at right back
aarón mejía, the sinaloense defender who arrived at the club on loan from Xolos de Tijuana this tournament, could earn his first official minutes with América in the Puebla match. Jardine noted Mejía has trained well and that the change is meant to give Álvarez “a pause and air, ” opening the door for the newcomer to provide depth at lateral right or as a center-back if the plan calls for it.
Jardine leans on Veiga in midfield
Alongside the defensive tweak, Jardine confirmed that Raphael Veiga will start the game in midfield and he expressed confidence Veiga could play close to 90 minutes. The coach said Veiga adapted to altitude and the group, and that the staff expects him to bring optimism to the lineup in the visit to Puebla for Jornada 7 of the Clausura 2026.
Immediate squad implications and availability
The rotation also leaves Alejandro Zendejas’s status unclear for the trip: Jardine would not confirm whether Zendejas will travel or be on the bench, saying the staff is weighing whether to preserve him for an upcoming match against Tigres. Jardine added that Dagoberto Espinoza is still about a month away from training fully with the group, which delays the coach’s return to a fully available roster.
The change comes with América seeking to steady results after a difficult start to the Clausura. One outlet noted the club sat 10th with eight points in six matches before the Puebla game, a position that has increased pressure on starters and influenced Jardine’s decision to refresh the right flank.
América faces Puebla this Friday in Jornada 7 of the Torneo Clausura 2026; Jardine has set the lineup adjustments to manage player load and give new signings like aarón mejía a chance to impact the squad’s push for better results.
