Fresh off his UEFA Champions League triumph over the weekend with Real Madrid, Keylor Navas may be unable to step up for his country this summer.
The Costa Rica goalkeeper, who gained international prominence while helping the Ticos reach the quarterfinals at the 2014 World Cup, has been hobbled by a foot injury, and Real Madrid announced on Monday a reoccurrence of the condition.
The club announced Navas is suffering from Achilles tendinopathy in his left foot. The statement did not assess a timetable or any course of treatment for the injury, so it is currently unknown if he will be available to play in the upcoming Copa America Centenario. Costa Rica open their Group A slate on Saturday against Paraguay at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
A report from Costa Rica's Nacion on Monday noted that the issue, a chronic problem for Navas, not only affected him at the World Cup in 2014 but also prevented him from participating in the 2015 Gold Cup.
Adding to the intrigue, not only would Navas' absence be a blow to Costa Rica at the Copa America, but his primary backup, Esteban Alvarado, is already ruled out for the tournament due to injury and didn't even make the 40-man preliminary roster. It appears Patrick Pemberton would be first choice if Navas is not able to play.
