The big meeting is fast approaching. In 19 days, the curtain will rise on the 23rd edition of the World Cup, the first organized with 48 nations. The United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing to host the qualified selections, including Argentina, placed in a group made up of Algeria, Jordan and Austria.
But the Albiceleste approaches this World Cup with slight worry. On Wednesday evening, Emiliano Martinez fractured a finger on his right hand during the warm-up before the Europa League final against Fribourg. An injury which did not prevent him from starting the match and lifting the trophy with Aston Villa after a 3-0 victory.
Less than three weeks before the start of the competition, this injury could nevertheless push Lionel Scaloni to adapt his plans. According to the Argentine press, no operation will be necessary. But according to TyC Sportsthe goalkeeper should observe an unavailability of approximately twenty days, i.e. until the opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.
Martinez left to rest
Reigning world champion, Argentina will enter the fray on June 17 at 3 a.m. (French time) against Algeria. A delay of around 25 days which gives hope for a return in time for Martinez against the Fennecs. Until then, the goalkeeper will be spared and will miss the two friendly preparation matches against Honduras, on June 6, then Iceland, on June 9, in the United States.
For these two matches, the Argentinian cages should be entrusted to Marseillais Geronimo Rulli or Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso, while Lionel Scaloni has not yet revealed his final list for the World Cup. It now remains to be seen whether Martinez will be fully recovered to defend the Albiceleste world title as soon as he enters the fray.
