Club America Midfielder Pavel Pardo To Miss Clasico Joven Against Cruz Azul

If Club America are going to strengthen their hold atop Group 2 this week, they're going to have to do it without Pavel Pardo, who will miss el Clasico Joven against Cruz Azul. The Mexican international holding midfielder is battling with a groin injury, but by his account, it's nothing serious and he should be able to return to action shortly. Pardo has targeted the upcoming match against Monterrey as a possible return date.

Last week, the injured Pardo was replaced in the lineup by young defensive midfielder Diego Reyes. He's a much different player than Pardo, but they have looked good with him in the squad. Pardo shows quite a bit more going forward than your average defensive midfielder, but Reyes is a true defensive player. Since Pardo has been out of the team, America have actually rattled off three straight wins. Two of those were the league, against Toluca and Santos Laguna, while one was in Copa Libertadores, against Fluminense.