Sergio Ramos to miss Monterrey’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Vancouver Whitecaps – Here’s why
The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter as Monterrey travels to Canada to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. The Mexican giants will be aiming to assert their dominance against a dynamic Whitecaps side that has started the season in fine form. However, as anticipation builds for this clash, one glaring omission from the Monterrey squad has caught everyone’s attention: Sergio Ramos will not be on the pitch.
Ramos, who joined Monterrey in February 2025, has already made a significant impact in Liga MX. In just two appearances, he has found the back of the net and has been entrusted with the captain’s armband. At 38, the Spanish icon remains a formidable presence, boasting a resume that includes 180 caps for Spain, a 2010 World Cup title, and four Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid.
However, despite his impressive pedigree, Ramos has had to follow a specialized fitness program since arriving in Mexico. Having spent a period without competitive play after leaving Sevilla, Rayados’ coaching staff has carefully managed his return to full match fitness.
Ramos raised concerns at Monterrey‘s training complex on Monday morning after helping his side to a 4-2 victory over Santos Laguna last weekend. Instead of participating in full training, he worked separately with his fitness coach.
TUDN have confirmed that Ramos is not injured but is being rested as a precautionary measure. “The coach doesn’t want to overload the Spaniard after his long period of inactivity before joining the team“, the report says. Monterrey manager Martin Demichelis has been careful with Ramos’ workload, and after playing the full 90 minutes against Santos Laguna, the decision has been made to leave him out of the squad for the trip to Vancouver.
Strategic rest for crucial Liga MX fixtures
This isn’t the first time the Spanish veteran has been given time off. Since his arrival, he missed Rounds 6 and 7 of Liga MX while focusing on regaining fitness. After making his debut in Round 8, he was rested again in Round 9 before returning last weekend to score his first goal for Monterrey.
Now, it appears Demichelis is following a similar approach. Rather than risking fatigue, Ramos will stay in Monterrey to train and prepare for the upcoming league fixture against Cruz Azul.
With experienced defenders Víctor Guzman, Stefan Medina, and Hector Moreno available, Monterrey has the depth to cope with Ramos’ absence. The veteran will reunite with his teammates on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Liga MX showdown in Mexico City.