Mexico will face the United States in October without their star attacker Andres Guardado, according to NBC Sports. The attacker has an ankle injury that was sustained during a Champions League match between PSV and Manchester United.  

With Guardado out for at least six weeks, there is a major concern for El Tri going into their match against the USMNT on Oct. 10. The winner of the game moves onto the 2017 Confederation Cup in Russia. The cup is a mini version of the World Cup and allows several teams to test out the venues for the World Cup while playing top opponents. 

Guardado has enjoyed a terrific run of form this year. He captured the 2015 Gold Cup title for Mexico and won the Golden Boot award. He is one of the first names on the team sheet when interim coach Ricardo Ferretti assigned his players for the playoff match. With Guardado out, it raises questions for Mexico and opens the door for LA Galaxy midfielder Giovanni Dos Santos or other promising Mexican attackers. 

Mexico lost to the United States last time the two teams met earlier this year, losing famously, 2-0. The two CONCACAF power nations did not meet in the Gold Cup, but now face an even bigger task in the October playoff match. Not only is a trip to Russia on the line, but jobs for both coaches are also in jeopardy.