CARSON, Calif. -- LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos has been named to Mexico's preliminary roster for the 2016 Copa America Centenario, El Tri head coach Juan Carlos Osorio confirmed to Futbol MLS.
In an interview with Futbol MLS, Osorio confirmed that Dos Santos will be on the 40-man preliminary roster, but the striker still has work to accomplish before making the 23-man squad for this summer's tournament. The 26-year-old forward has notched three goals and two assists in four appearances for the Galaxy this season.
“We think Giovani had a difficult period when he was injured again, and for that reason we couldn’t call him up for the games against Canada, which was the plan,” said Osorio. “That is why I went to see him in Los Angeles, and we were delighted to see he was regaining his fitness level.”
“The injury came, unfortunately, but he got better, and it now appears that he has a lot more energy, and has been very involved in the last two games, especially with his great goal [in the 5-2 win against Real Salt Lake] that makes us see that a midfielder, who also scores, is hard to find. We are happy for Giovani, for his family, that he is gaining back his level and that he will be competing for a spot not only on the list of 40 but also on the 23-man roster”.
Dos Santos has not played for Mexico since the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
