Per reports by journalist Gastón Edul, Lautaro Martínez’s recent injury is causing more concern at Inter than within the Argentina national team setup, as current timelines indicate the striker should be available for the Finalissima against Spain.
The forward picked up the injury during Inter’s 3-1 loss to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League. While any physical issue months before the World Cup draws attention, early indications suggest the problem is not considered severe.
According to reports, Martínez is dealing with a soleus muscle tear. The expected recovery time is at least 20 days, though the exact timeline will depend on the grade of the injury. From Argentina’s perspective, the outlook remains positive.
Inter manager Cristian Chivu described the injury as “serious,” but the concern is mainly tied to Inter’s immediate schedule, which includes the second leg against Bodø/Glimt, a Coppa Italia clash with Como, and the derby against Milan.
For Argentina, the calendar provides more margin. The Albiceleste’s next major commitment is the Finalissima against Spain on March 27 in Qatar.
If medical tests confirm a standard muscle tear without complications, Martínez would have roughly three weeks to receive medical clearance. After that, he is expected to need between 10 and 14 additional days to regain full match fitness.
That preparation window is currently the focus of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff as they monitor the striker’s recovery ahead of the high-profile clash.
This version of De Paul for Inter Miami today is inadequate to say the least.
De Pual is finished shouldn’t be in the nt , sadly scaloni will play him
It will mostlikely won’t happen knowing our management but I really want Scaloni to field our youngsters against mighty Spain, a mix of A & B team. No point going with the WC winning team when there is opportunity to test our bench and backups. Soùle is left footed which is why he plays on both flanks for Roma. Paz is about to get Como selected for Europe before departing for Madrid. J.Panichelli has been in superb form this season in French league which I believe isn’t an easy league. I have watched two full seasons of ligue1 and it is very physical.
W.Benitez
Senesi Ballerdi Licha
Equi — Barco
Simeone Paz Almada Soùle
Panichelli
We’re about a month away from the Finalissima against Spain, and honestly I’m not overly optimistic, not about the Finalissima and not fully about the World Cup either.
First, it’s just very hard to defend a crown back to back. It’s rare. That doesn’t mean strong runs aren’t possible. France made two World Cup finals in a row. Even we made two Copa América finals in a row vs Chile before finally winning. So deep runs are absolutely possible. I’m not writing Argentina off. But repeating is a different level of difficulty.
Second, there are some background issues that don’t help. The noise around Tapia and AFA corruption doesn’t create the best environment. Maybe it doesn’t affect the squad directly, but it’s not ideal.
On the football side, Scaloni himself said recently he’s concerned about the form of several players, and I think that’s fair, especially at fullback.
Right back is a question mark. Molina has been playing a bit more at Atlético Madrid, but he’s not really an undisputed starter. He can give you one or two strong games, but overall he’s inconsistent and still has defensive limitations, even though he has improved under Simeone. Montiel back at River and hasn’t looked great lately. It’s surprising that Agustín Giay hasn’t gotten a real look. Pablo Maffeo was written off early, no? Kevin Mac Allister isn’t spectacular, but he looked decent in his cameo in the last friendly and at least offers stability.
Left back is even thinner. Tagliafico is recovering from injury, and at 33 he’s not exactly in his prime anymore. He’s been our most reliable fullback for years, very solid defensively, but speed naturally declines at that age. Behind him? Soler hasn’t impressed at Bournemouth and is injured anyway. Ortega doesn’t really look like a long-term national team solution. Bernabei has been playing very well in Brazil and still hasn’t been considered for some reason. Medina is more of a makeshift option. Nico González can fill in there, but he doesn’t play there regularly. Barco has been playing well, but more as a midfielder lately and it’s not clear if Scaloni sees him as an option at LB.
In midfield and attack, there are positives, but also questions. Nico Paz looks great and Perrone is interesting and doing well too at Como. Enzo Fernandez is in great club form, but his best position isn’t necessarily the pivot role he’s asked to play for Argentina. De Paul’s level has dipped compared to his peak, and at 31, now at Inter Miami, it’s hard to know what his sharpness will be like. Julián Alvarez hasn’t been consistently at his best. Almada isn’t a regular starter at Atlético either.
And then there are broader variables for this World Cup: more teams, more travel, a different tournament rhythm. Messi’s form and physical management will obviously be crucial.
None of this means Argentina can’t compete. The core mentality is still there, Scaloni is still in charge, and we’ve proven we can rise in big tournaments. But if we’re being honest, there are real question marks, especially at fullback and around player form.
I hope I’m wrong and we hit peak level at the right moment. But right now, I have some reservations. Let’ see who Scaloni calls up for the Finalissima. Some fresh blood will hopefully bring motivated players.
I think the supporters are overthinking this. I believe the coaching staff have already made up their minds. Unless Kevin maccallister or Valentin Gomez impresses them, the back ups would be Montiel and Medina.. Medina has been regularly called by scaloni and he has been practising with the NT. Or else in certain situations we might go with 3 cbs and attacking wing backs like barco and simione.. all in all I believe scaloni and co. already have thought through this. I am enjoying every bit of Argentine dominance in SA and the world for the last 5 years. I will watch the world cup without the kind of pressure I had earlier and I blv we will do well, because apart from the technicalities this team has the ability to grind out matches, be dirty, be physical and that is very imp against the big European teams who are just filled with divas.
If Montiel and Medina are our back-ups, we are in trouble….
Agreed
It was an easy WC qualification but Scaloni failed to capitalize and test new players which is why our flanks are our weakness. Tagliafico Montiel Molina, non of them convince me anymore , whether its fitness or form. I am glad Senesi is being regularly picked and Licha is back. Otherwise Otamendi and Ballerdi would be starting for us.