Mexico's national team will return to the United States this weekend to take part in the squad's first friendlies of 2015.
On March 28, El Tri will travel to Los Angeles where they will face the Ecuadorian national team. Three days later, the squad will take-on Paraguay in Kansas City.
With roster spots for the summer's Gold Cup and Copa America on the line, the two matches will be crucial for those auditioning for a last-minute spot with El Tri.
Let's check in on a few Mexican players who should be able to thrive this weekend, and others who may struggle or not even have a chance to play.
Warming Up
Raul Jimenez, F, Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Why he's here: Raul Jimenez was given his first start of 2015 for Atletico Madrid last Saturday and made it count. The young striker worked hard up-top with Fernando Torres and assisted Tiago Mendes' goal in the 44th minute of the 2-0 victory over Getafe. The assist was his first ever in La Liga.
What this means: Jimenez will be coming into the camp with a huge boost in morale. The 23-year-old had a great performance for Atletico Madrid over the weekend and should be able to easily transition that form to El Tri.
Hector Moreno, D, Espanyol (Spain)
Why he's here: The centre-back has now been playing regularly with Espanyol since January and appears to be back to full health. Moreno was excellent in defense over the weekend and kept Deportivo La Coruna scoreless in the 0-0 draw on Sunday. In his last three matches with the club, the Periquitos have only allowed one goal.
What this means: El Tri's weak point for months has been their defense. Moreno returning to the squad will bring a huge amount of experience and confidence to the back line.
Juan Carlos Medina, M, Atlas (Mexico)
Why he's here: Although he wasn't at his best for Atlas in the recent 2-0 loss to Queretaro, Juan Carlos Medina has been able to stand out in the midfield through his previous games. Medina has scored twice for Los Zorros this month and is now just behind striker Martin Barragan as Atlas' top goal-scorer. Medina isn't as quick as he once was, but still maintains a strong and aggressive presence in the pitch.
What this means: The harsh reality for Medina is that El Tri is loaded with midfield options. Jonathan dos Santos, Javier Guemez, and Jose Juan Vazquez are just a few of the names who could justifiably be given a chance to play over Medina. That said, the 31 year-old has done well as of late and could surprise El Tri fans in the upcoming friendlies.
Cooling down
Javier Hernandez, F, Real Madrid (Spain)
Why he's here: While Jimenez was gaining vital minutes with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Javier Hernandez watched from the bench as Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Barcelona. Madrid was desperate for an equalizer but once again left the "super-sub" on the bench during the loss.
What this means: The lack of playing time abroad will likely have an impact on the striker, who honestly hasn't looked very confident. A few days off with the national team might provide a much-needed boost in self-esteem. Hernandez needs a goal and will push desperately for one in the upcoming Mexico matches.
Guillermo Ochoa, GK, Malaga (Spain)
Why he's here: With the Copa del Rey already over for Malaga, Guillermo Ochoa has now spent all of his time on the bench in La Liga. Ochoa has yet to make his La Liga debut and might make one---if he's lucky---before the season ends.
What this means: It has almost been a full two months since the last time that Ochoa has played for Malaga. There's no doubting his immense talent in net but there will be some justifiable worries about the goalkeeper when he is given time by El Tri manager Miguel "Piojo" Herrera.
Javier Orozco, F, Santos Laguna (Mexico)
Why he's here: Cooling down may not even be appropriate for the striker who has been thawing for quite some time. The 27-year-old striker is a regular starter for Santos Laguna but has yet to score this season. Orozco has had little to offer for Los Guerreros up top and has also only had one assist in his 10 matches this year.
What this means: Orozco has had sporadic call-ups for El Tri since 2010, but doesn't appear to be anywhere near Herrera's radar at the moment. The striker was arguably Mexico's worst player in the friendlies against Bolivia and Panama late last year, and seems likely to miss out on any further games this year.