Santiago Sandoval's surgery sidelines Chivas forward for Apertura 2026

Chivas forward Santiago Sandoval underwent successful surgery after fracturing the proximal phalanx of his right fourth finger during the CONCACAF U‑20 Championship match against Costa Rica in Puebla. The injury forced him to miss the national U‑20 squad’s concentration and will keep him out of Chivas’ early Apertura 2026 fixtures.

Sandoval, who thanked coach Gabriel Milito and the club’s supporters, said, "No es fácil que te pasen este tipo de cosas, pero estoy preparado para recuperarme y por lo que viene." Medical staff estimate a recovery period of about three weeks, but his exact return date remains unconfirmed.