One by one: when Argentina’s injured players are expected back

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·25 Februari 2026

One by one: when Argentina’s injured players are expected back

In the final stretch towards the 2026 World Cup, the Argentina National Team is starting to finalize its list of call-ups, and Lionel Scaloni will be closely monitoring the players, especially those who are injured and how they handle their recovery.

Some, like Juan Foyth, who is dealing with a ruptured Achilles tendon, or Giovani Lo Celso, who suffered a myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh, will be out of action for a while. This opens up competition in their respective positions and brings other names into the mix as potential replacements. While the Villarreal defender will only return in September, the Betis midfielder might just make it in time for the World Cup.

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On the other hand, the cases of Nicolás González and Nicolás Tagliafico are less severe. Although their participation in the Finalissima against Spain in March is at risk, they are almost certain to be options for the tournament to be held in North America.

The most recent injury in the attack was Lautaro Martínez at Inter, who suffered a strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg. His return is expected in three or four weeks, but his presence in the match against La Roja is almost a certainty.

Given this scenario, players who have been pushing from behind are starting to gain ground. In defense, center-backs like Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, or Marcos Senesi are maintaining their spots due to performance and consistent presence. On the flanks and in the midfield, youth and versatility become strong arguments in the need for fresh legs. Valentín Barco and Giuliano Simeone are examples of this.

In midfield, the competition is even fiercer. Franco Mastantuono, Nico Paz, or Exequiel Palacios—players with energy, dynamism, and continuity at major clubs—are increasingly real options to complete the list, especially if injuries continue to set the pace.

One by one: Argentina National Team injuries and their recovery times

Juan Foyth: about seven months out due to a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg. He will miss the World Cup and is expected to return in September.
Giovani Lo Celso: around two months out due to a moderate proximal myotendinous injury in the rectus femoris of his right thigh. He will miss the Finalissima but could be available for the World Cup.
Nicolás González: will be out for approximately three weeks due to a tear in his right thigh. He will barely make it to the match against La Roja but will be at the World Cup.
Nicolás Tagliafico: no return date yet after suffering a sprain when a player fell on his right ankle during the match between Lyon and Young Boys, but he is likely to be available for the Finalissima.
Lautaro Martínez: his recovery will take two to three weeks due to a strain in the soleus muscle of his left leg, but he will not miss either of the two competitions with the Argentina National Team.

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