Mexico names preliminary squad for Copa America

Published May. 24, 2011 2:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

World Cup veterans Carlos Vela, Paul Aguilar, Jonny Magallon and goalkeeper Luis Michel head the list of 26 players in Mexico's preliminary squad for July's Copa America in Argentina.

The four experienced internationals were joined by Barcelona reserve Jonathan Dos Santos - younger brother of established star Giovani Dos Santos in the list announced Monday by assistant coach Luis Fernando Tena. Jonathan was the last player discarded from the Mexico squad for South Africa.

Vela, who is contracted to Arsenal but played on loan at West Bromwich Albion this year, is likely to be Mexico's main attacking option.

At the request of CONCACAF, whose own continental tournament will be played in the U.S. in June, Mexico will take a squad aged under 22, plus up to five older players, to the South American championship.

The team will start the Copa America group stage on July 4 against Chile before facing Peru and Uruguay.

Mexico will play four warm-up matches in June ahead of the tournament, facing Venezuela, Chivas USA, Colombia and Ecuador.

The final list of 22 players must be submitted by June 27.

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Carlos Rodriguez (Morelia), Liborio Sanchez (Veracruz).

Defenders: Jonny Magallon (Chivas), Miguel Angel Ponce (Chivas), Jorge Enriquez (Chivas), Darvin Chavez (Atlas), Nestor Vidrio (Atlas), Hiram Mier (Monterrey), Nestor Araujo (Cruz Azul), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Israel Jimenez (Tigres).

Midfielders: Edgar Pacheco (Atlas), Javier Aquino (Cruz Azul), Jorge Hernandez (Jaguares), David Cabrera (Pumas), Javier Cortes (Pumas), Diego Reyes (America), Fernando Navarro (Atlante), Nestor Calderon (Toluca).

Forwards: Marco De la Mora (Chivas), Erick Torres (Chivas), Rafael Marquez Lugo (Morelia), Oribe Peralta (Santos), Jonathan Dos Santos (Barcelona B), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).