FC Barcelona and Mexican National Team defender Rafa Marquez has torn a calf muscle and will not be available for the August 12th qualifier against the United States. The injury is expected to keep him out for up to 15 days.

Marquez suffered the injury in training with Barcelona as they prepared for their friendly with MLS side Seattle Sounders FC.

This is good news for the Americans; it means that Mexico will be without one of their most experienced and highly accomplished defenders.

Marquez is also high on the list of Mexican players that USMNT fans love to hate, so his absence from the match will detract from the drama (if that's possible).

The US roster for the match is expected to be released tomorrow.