The Argentina team looked like one of the big favorites to win the World Cup. The Copa America champion comes to the tournament with Leo Messi in very good shape, but at the same time is dealing with an extensive injury blow when today (Tuesday) Giovanni Lo Celso, a regular player in the national team who is suffering from pain in his leg, joined the list.
Apart from Lou Celso, Paulo Dybala and Emiliano Martinez are also doubtful, while Angel Di Maria, who scored the winning goal in the Copa America final, is expected to be fit but has not played since mid-October due to injury.
In their absence, there are a number of question marks surrounding Leo Messi’s support staff. River Plate’s Franco Armani and Jeronimo Ruili will compete for a spot in goal, while Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez will lead the defense alongside Christian Romero (Tottenham).
In connection with Nardo Prades, Papo Gomes and Lucas Ocampos are fit, in the squad and may get minutes, as is Emiliano Bondia. They will join Rodrigo de Paul who was selected for the team of the tournament in the last Copa America.
In attack there is Lautro Martinez from Inter, Angel Correa from Atletico Madrid and Julián Alvarez from Manchester City. Alejandro Grancho from Manchester United, along with Giovanni Simeone from Napoli, were called up to the Albiceleste squad as well.