By Ivan Orozco

ARLINGTON, Texas - Carlos Vela was absent from Mexico's morning training Thursday leaving speculation that something could be wrong with the Mexican striker.

It took more than six hours for official word from El Tri about Vela's absence Thursday.

Mexico's press officer Mauricio Zavala said Vela missed practice because he underwent a routine check up at a local hospital.

Mexico also made it clear the Arsenal striker will not be leaving Dallas or the Gold Cup like some rumors suggested.

Vela's absence raised questions after the team came out for warm-ups but Vela and team doctor Radames Gaxiola were not on the field at the new Cowboys stadium.

Vela hasn't seen action since starting against Nicaragua.

He hurt his right ankle 11 minutes into the match July 5 in Oakland.

He spent most practices jogging around the field with team trainers and the team doctor by his side.

Vela began to participate in team drills this week and appeared to be improving. He began kicking the ball again. That was a painful task for the 20-year-old last week.

Coach Javier Aguirre said earlier this week that Vela would be available as an option for their next match.

Vela earlier this week disclosed that his sprained right ankle was in good shape. But Vela didn't strike many balls with force early in training sessions. He walked with a limp from the locker room to the field.

He said he felt better, began to put weight on the fragile ankle and had improved range of motion. He spoke about the injury for the first time Tuesday.

"The first thing you do is think the worst. You imagine bad things," Vela said about the injury. "You think you can't play, you're done. But the (team) doctor was there and helped me stay calm as I went through testing. I knew soon what was wrong and what I had to do to get back on the field."

Vela also confirmed Arsenal has been keeping tabs on the ankle's progress.

"They monitored the situation. They want you to go back healthy and without problems," Vela said. "It's part of the job. You don't go with your national team thinking you'll get hurt."