Giay World Cup hope as Palmeiras await possible call amid Argentina full-back doubts | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Argentina are managing right-back injuries before the World Cup, and Palmeiras defender Giay is seen by Lionel Scaloni as immediate cover for Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel.

The 22-year-old featured in the last international window and has been called for the warm-up friendlies despite not being on the final list. He started and impressed in the 2-0 win over Honduras on Saturday, and could play again against Iceland on Tuesday at 21:30 in the United States.

At Palmeiras, Giay has overcome early doubts to become Abel Ferreira’s first-choice ahead of Khellven. He has played 26 games, sits among the club’s top 10 for minutes, and, as a more defensive full-back, is still chasing a first goal involvement.

Palmeiras also have six others selected for the World Cup, Emiliano Martínez (Uruguay), Flaco López (Argentina), Gustavo Gómez (Paraguay), Joaquín Piquerez (Uruguay), Mauricio (Paraguay) and Ramón Sosa (Paraguay). It is the highest number the club have ever supplied.

Argentina’s major question concerns Molina and Montiel, both key in 2022 but with disrupted build-ups. Molina has a thigh problem and remains under observation, Montiel has a quadriceps issue. Both are with the squad and were not on the bench against Honduras, they are available to face Iceland, although their fitness remains a concern, and changes can be made to the FIFA list until the 15th.

Argentina open their campaign on Tuesday 16 July against Algeria in Kansas City, with kick-off at 22:00 Brasília time.

Source: Globo.com