El Tri Watch: European-Based Footballers Back with Their Clubs

The FIFA date ended earlier this week, and with that, El Tri footballers returned to their clubs. Not all of them played, but Javier Hernandez should be happier than ever, as he finally returned to the pitch with Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti heard Chicharito's petition

Hernandez told Fox Sports earlier this week that he was very frustrated about his constant appearances on the bench, per The Guardian.

After he arrived in Real Madrid, Hernandez has only started four times and has put the ball away three times in a total of 19 appearances.

After his declarations, while in the United States to play with El Tri, Los Blancos coach talked about the issue.

Carlo Ancelotti said in a press conference that he understood the Mexican but said Hernandez needed to be patient because the club has more games up coming, as reported by Marca.

The Italian coach was right. Hernandez played 29 minutes in Madrid's 9-1 victory over Granada—although, he missed his chance to score.

Miguel Layun played in Watford's tie

During the Ecuador friendly, Miguel Layun was far from being at his best level.

He was constantly overpowered by Ecuador's speed and physicality. Furthermore, the left-back took forever to return to his defending labors when he joined the attack.

Layun missed the Paraguay game because he was summoned to his club earlier than expected. 

Watford is fighting for a spot in the Premier League. So far, they sit fourth in the championship, with six games ahead.

Layun started the game against Derby County. He played 63 minutes in the 2-2 draw.

Raul Jimenez returned to Atletico Madrid with an injury

The former America striker had a good performance in Mexico's 1-0 victory over Paraguay, although he left the match earlier than expected.

Jimenez returned to his club with an ankle injury, which sidelined him from appearing in the clash against Cordoba, per Mexican newspaper El Universal.

It is not clear when is he returning to competition. 

Hector Herrera couldn't help Porto

Like Layun, Hector Herrera also returned early to Europe. Unfortunately, the Mexican started on the bench for Porto's League Cup match against Maritimo.

The Primeira Liga heavyweights lost 2-1 in the League Cup semifinal. It was their second defeat to the Green and Reds this year. They also fell short in Matchday 18 of the local league.

Herrera could reappear Monday against Estoril in Week 26 of the Portuguese championship.

The Dos Santos brothers

Jonathan dos Santos started the game against Valencia, after a superb performance with Mexico, which proved he's going through a great moment—if not his best.

He played 73 minutes in La Liga's Week 29 match between Villarreal and Valencia. He shot once on target and nearly scored with a powerful header that Diego Alves saved.

The older of the dos Santos brothers, Giovani, came in as a sub in the 61st minute. But, he couldn't do much to help his team put the ball in the back of the net.

The game ended in a scoreless draw.

Guillermo Ochoa and Andres Guardado became fathers

Both footballers returned to Spain and the Netherlands, respectively, to welcome their sons.

Guillermo Ochoa's second child was born and named Luciano. He also has a two-year-old girl, Luciana.

Andres Guardado became a first-time dad. His wife, Briana, gave birth to Maximo.

Both footballers reported with their clubs. Ochoa stayed on the bench in Malaga's one-goal draw to Real Sociedad, and Guardado played all 90 minutes in PSV Eindhoven's 0-5 victory over Twente.

All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and Squawka.

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