Otamendi’s Argentina worry sets off alarm bells at Benfica | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi missed Argentina’s national team training due to what his national coach described as “minor issues.” The Benfica center-back was called up to represent the Albiceleste, with whom he has already won a World Cup.

The information was shared by Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, during a press conference. The South American coach clarified several situations in his conversation with journalists, and also explained why Otamendi missed the team’s last training session.

“Otamendi didn’t train yesterday because he had some minor issues. Today he will be available again,” explained the Argentine coach, choosing not to dramatize the absence of one of the team’s most experienced players, who was unable to contribute during the last training session.

However, Lionel Scaloni was quick to reassure Albiceleste and Benfica fans, explaining that these so-called “minor issues” have been completely resolved, and that Otamendi will be able to return to the pitch for another training session as early as next Thursday, September 4th.

It’s worth remembering that Nicolás Otamendi has been instrumental in the great start to the season that Bruno Lage’s Benfica has made in 2025/26. The World Cup winner with Argentina, at 37 years old, is the only ever-present player in the Benfica squad so far, forming a partnership with António Silva and Tomás Araújo at the heart of the Eagles’ defense.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.