With just two days before Argentina’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, coach Lionel Scaloni has been dealt a significant blow. Following the already confirmed absence of Lionel Messi due to injury, striker Lautaro Martínez has also been ruled out due to a muscle injury.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the team’s preparations. The team will need to make significant adjustments to compensate for the absence of its two star players.
Martínez has been dealing with a persistent muscle problem, notably missing the second leg of Inter’s Champions League match against Feyenoord due to the injury.
Despite scoring in Inter’s subsequent match against Atalanta, further medical assessment revealed a muscle injury in his left hamstring, officially ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The severity of the injury will be a key factor in determining Martínez’s recovery time.
Potential replacements for Martínez and tactical adjustments
With Martínez’s confirmed absence, Julián Álvarez is the likely starter as a center forward. Nicolás González, a regular in Scaloni’s squad, is a strong contender to join Álvarez in the starting eleven.
However, other players may also see increased playing time. Messi’s absence opens opportunities for players who are not typically starters, including the possibility of a 4-4-2 formation or alternative options in midfield and attack. The unexpected absences could lead to significant changes in team dynamics and playing style.
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Several tactical adjustments are possible given the absence of both Messi and Martínez. The coach may opt for a 4-4-2 formation, incorporating Leandro Paredes into midfield and pairing González with Álvarez upfront. Alternatively, Scaloni might integrate a player like Thiago Almada or Ángel Correa to serve as a link between midfield and attack, or potentially deploy three forwards.
Giuliano Simeone could also be considered depending on the chosen formation. The coach will need to make very important decisions to determine the final lineup and playing style for the team. The team will need to overcome the absence of these key players and adapt to a modified lineup and playing strategy. The upcoming matches against both Uruguay and Brazil will be a very important test for the team.
