Cristian Tabó will miss time with Cruz Azul, again

Cruz Azul started Clausura 2022 on the right foot, as they made the right additions to strengthen their squad, like Uriel Antuna, Erik Lira and Carlos “Charly” Rodríguez, and let go the players that no longer were needed, like Luis Romo, Roberto Alvarado and even Orbelín Pineda.

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Although they seem to be on track to win their second Liga MX title in the same number of years, as they currently stand third, just one point behind Clausura 2022 leader, Club Puebla, the only stone in the shoe for Cruz Azul is Cristian Tabó, who arrived this season out of La Franja.

The 28-year-old right-winger was injured on the first leg of the quarterfinals of Apertura 2021, when Club Puebla received Club León. Since then, he’s been trying to recover from a gluteus muscle strain, something it seemed he already had left behind after being part of three games.

But prior to the second leg of the round of 16 of CONCACAF Champions League, when Cruz Azul finally had a full squad for the first time in the season, Tabó resented the muscular injury, which will prevent him from playing at least for 15 days.

Who could replace Tabó in La Máquina?

Tabó arrived in La Noria after Juan Reynoso personally requested his addition, given the time they shared when Reynoso was coaching Club Puebla, but if he doesn’t manage to fully recover and become an asset, his stint with La Máquina could be short, as they are already looking for possible replacements for the next season.

According to reports, Cruz Azul will try to acquire Nicolás Ibañez, one of the most profitable strikers in recent years in Liga MX, as they also are in danger of losing Brayan Angulo, who ends his contract with La Máquina at the end of the current season and hasn’t started negotiating his renewal.

How much will Cruz Azul have to pay for Ibañez?

Since his arrival in Liga MX, “Nico” Ibañez impressed everyone with his scoring abilities, which is why Atlético Madrid bought his economic rights when they also acquired Atlético San Luis. He was then sold to CF Pachuca; were he currently plays.

Los Tuzos paid $3.4 million for his permanent move, although his current market value is set a $5.1 million, a figure that Cruz Azul might have to offer if they want to acquire the 27-year-old striker. Ibañez scored a total of 57 goals with Atlético San Luis in 115 games and with Pachuca has scored 7 times in 21 games.

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