Argentina injuries one by one, recovery timelines for Scaloni’s squad | OneFootball

With the 2026 World Cup nearing, Argentina’s planning is being shaped by injuries as Lionel Scaloni monitors recoveries. The March Finalíssima against Spain could come too soon for some, though most target North America.

According to Radiogol.com, Villarreal’s Juan Foyth faces around seven months out after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left leg, so he will miss the World Cup and is expected to return in September. Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has a moderate proximal myotendinous injury in his right rectus femoris, about two months out, set to miss the Finalíssima but potentially available for the World Cup.

Nicolás González is expected to be sidelined for about three weeks with a right thigh tear, making Spain a tight call, but he will be at the World Cup. Nicolás Tagliafico has no return date yet after an ankle sprain suffered when a player fell on his right ankle in Lyon’s match with Young Boys, and he is likely to feature in the Finalíssima.

Inter’s Lautaro Martínez has a left soleus strain. His recovery is estimated at two to three weeks, his appearance against Spain is almost a certainty, and he will not miss either competition with Argentina.

Opportunities are opening up for others. At centre-back, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina and Marcos Senesi are holding their places through form and availability. On the flanks and in midfield, youth and versatility count, with Valentín Barco and Giuliano Simeone examples.

Competition in the middle is fiercer still. Franco Mastantuono, Nico Paz and Exequiel Palacios, all offering energy, dynamism and regular minutes at major clubs, are increasingly realistic options to complete the list, especially if injuries continue to dictate selection.

Source: Radiogol.com