Mexico lose 1-0 to Croatia, Araujo suffers injury

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic (7) is tripped up by Mexico midfielder Jorge Hernández (24) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Mexico went down 1-0 to Croatia in a friendly on Tuesday and saw defender Nestor Araujo taken from the field on a stretcher with what looked like a serious injury to his left leg.

With the World Cup finals just three months away, the injury to Araujo could be a big blow for the Mexicans, who will face Germany, Sweden and South Korea at the tournament in Russia.

Araujo was challenging Ante Rebic when he appeared to get his leg caught underneath the Croatian player.

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic (12) makes a save on a shot by Mexico during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute. Mexico, who beat Iceland 3-0 on Friday, handed a 100th cap to striker Javier Hernandez.

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic (12) makes a save as defender Tin Jedvaj (13) and Mexico midfielder Hirving Lozano (8) leap out of way during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; The Mexico prepares to face the Croatia team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; A fan of the Croatia team celebrates a win against Mexico at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Fans of the Mexico team wave the flag of Mexico during the second half against Croatia at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 27, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic (12) makes a save on a shot on goal by Mexico during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports