Mexico's Suarez set to become most-capped player

Reuters - Mexico defender Claudio Suarez is set to become world soccer's most-capped player after being included in the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Paraguay.

Suarez, 37, is currently tied with Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea, who won 173 caps between 1990 and 2004, playing in three World Cups.

Nicknamed the Emperor, Suarez has been picked sporadically by coach Ricardo La Volpe in the last two years. His last appearance was in the 2-0 win over Hungary in December.

Mexico are using Wednesday's game in Chicago as the latest in a series of warm-ups for the World Cup where they will face Iran, Angola and Portugal in their first round group.

La Volpe also included striker Jared Borgetti in the squad although his presence could depend on negotiations with his club, England's Bolton. The match is not being played on an official date on the FIFA calendar.

La Volpe left out Cuauhtemoc Blanco, reducing the chances of the volatile forward going to the World Cup in Germany, starting on June 9.

Veteran striker Jesus Arellano, who has openly criticised La Volpe for picking foreign-born pair Antonio Naelson and Guillermo Franco, was also excluded.

Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara), Jesus Corona (UAG)

Defenders: Francisco Rodriguez (Guadalajara), Duilio Davino (America), Joel Huiqui (Cruz Azul), Gonzalo Pineda (Guadalajara), Jose Antonio Castro (America), Mario Mendez (Monterrey), Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA).

Midfielders: Israel Lopez (Toluca), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Rafael Garcia (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Andres Guardado (Atlas)

Forwards: Omar Bravo (Guadalajara), Daniel Osorno (Atlas), Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul), Jared Borgetti (Bolton, England)