Thiago Almada set to join Argentina’s growing list of absentees | OneFootball

The Argentinian National Team will conclude their participation in the South American Qualifiers against Ecuador as a visiting team this Tuesday. Positioned at the top of the table, the "Albiceleste" will seek to close the World Cup journey with another victory.

For this commitment, Lionel Scaloni has not confirmed the eleven, as he has several doubts, not only in names, but also in relation to the tactical scheme to be used in Guayaquil.

What is certain is that Leonardo Balerdi will replace the suspended (due to accumulation of yellows) 'Cuti' Romero. On the other hand, Gonzalo Montiel is a sure replacement for Nahuel Molina against the "BKCC".

Another of the doubts is in the midfield, which could present four midfielders or only three. This is due to the almost confirmed absence of Thiago Almada, who suffers from a muscle overload and would not be in condition to be part of the match, for this reason, Franco Mastantuono, Giovanni Simeone and Juan Foyth are vying for a place.

In case Scaloni opts to include a line of five defenders, the Villarreal player would be the one to position himself alongside "Ota" and Balerdi, leaving the midfield with Paredes, De Paul and Nicolás González, another of the changes that will be presented in the Ecuadorian night.

If the line of four at the back is maintained, Simeone and Mastantuono would fight for their place on the right wing, as a false winger alongside Nico González. What appears as fixed and immovable, is the attacking duo: Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, the latter taking the place of "Leo" Messi.

The probable line-ups of Argentina against Ecuador

What happens with the 10 players of the Argentina National Team who are on the edge of yellow cards

The Argentinian National Team will face the last date of the South American Qualifiers in Guayaquil against Ecuador without Lionel Messi and 'Cuti' Romero', the latter for seeing a yellow card, coming off a long list.

For the last date, Lionel Scaloni has 10 players on the edge of yellow cards: Molina, Montiel, Lo Celso, Paredes, De Paul, Palacios, Mac Allister, Almada, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.

Despite the large number of players who reach the limit, the coaching staff of the Argentinian National Team breathes easy knowing the FIFA regulations and knowing that yellow cards do not carry over to other official competitions.

Thus, in case any of the mentioned receive the second personal yellow card, their participation in the Finalissima or World Cup is not at risk, except for an expulsion, which will only be served at the event in North America.

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