Portuguese forward Paulinho is back in the Toluca squad after more than three months out with a muscle injury. Head coach Antonio Mohamed confirmed to Infobae that the player will be on the bench for the Leagues Cup final against Monterrey and could play around 20 or 30 minutes. His return comes as Toluca sits second in Liga MX, with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and just one loss, trailing leaders Club America by only three points.

The team arrives at the continental final in strong form, on a run of four wins and a draw in their last five matches, including a commanding 4-0 victory over FC Juárez on August 31. Defense has been key, conceding only four league goals, and that solidity carried into the Leagues Cup, where Toluca beat Austin FC and León both 2-0. Their next match at the Nemesio Díez Stadium is on September 13 against fourth-placed Atlas, but first the focus is on Houston.

How will Paulinho's return to the team be managed?

Antonio Mohamed was clear about the forward's condition. "Seguramente está para 20 o 30 minutos el domingo, más no", the manager stated. "Ojalá que no lo necesitemos, quiere decir que es una buena señal". Paulinho, who was MVP of the 2026 Concachampions final where Toluca beat Tigres, hasn't played since that match. His reintegration will be gradual and from the bench, acting as a strategic weapon if needed. Mohamed described him as "un jugador diferencial" and expressed hope that he "pueda volver con todo su nivel y nos pueda seguir ayudando como nos ha ayudado siempre".

Who covered for his absence in the attack?

During the Portuguese striker's long layoff, other players stepped up in the forward line. Federico Viñas established himself as the starting center-forward and scored key goals. On the wings, explosiveness came from Helinho and Alexis Vega, who provided pace and dribbling. Youngsters Oswaldo Virgen and William Barboza also received minutes, though more sparingly. This collective effort allowed the team to maintain its attacking threat, scoring 12 goals in six league matches, and advance in the Leagues Cup. Fans can check the full squad to follow the progress of all these players.

What does this final mean for Antonio Mohamed?

The match against Monterrey holds special meaning for Toluca's coach. Mohamed was a player and manager for Rayados, winning Liga MX in 2019 and the Copa MX in 2017 and 2020, though he also suffered a painful defeat in the 2017 Regia Final against Tigres. Now, from the rival bench, he seeks the only title missing from his tenure with the Diablos Rojos. He faces a Monterrey side led by Matías Almeyda that reached the final by eliminating América on penalties and aims to maintain its unbeaten record in international finals. The prize is direct: the champion earns a spot in the 2027 Champions Cup Round of 16.

What is Toluca's current context in the league?

The team is not only fighting for an international title but is also a serious contender domestically. With 13 points and a +8 goal difference, Toluca shows a solid balance. Their positive run of results (WWDWW) is the ideal scenario heading into a final. The next Liga MX fixture, after the Houston duel, will be a demanding home game against Atlas, another top-half opponent in the standings. Paulinho's return, even if partial, injects quality and experience at a decisive moment in the season. The Leagues Cup final will be played on Sunday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.