The line-up from the training session on Thursday.
On Wednesday, it was Lionel MESSI who didn’t take part in Argentina’s training session as he had just landed in the country. On Thursday it was Sergio AGUERO due to muscle fatigue. Tata MARTINO held his last training session prior to the match against Honduras in San Juan on Friday.
Here was the eleven from training:
ROMERO; MERCADO, FUNES MORI, OTAMENDI, ROJO; BIGLIA, MASCHERANO, BANEGA; MESSI, HIGUAIN and DI MARIA.
Sergio AGUERO did not work with the rest of the team on Thursday.
Ole in Argentina is reporting that Sergio AGUERO trained separately from the rest of the group today.
While there’s no major injury, it appears as if AGUERO’s suffering from muscle fatigue. Argentina play Honduras on Friday and with Messi having to fly back to Spain and then to the United States, it will be interesting to see how long he plays and now with AGUERO’s fitness issue, MARTINO has some decisions to make on how he will handle the situations.
Lavezzi and Pastore will be going to the COPA AMERICA.
Hello everyone,
It’s getting very exciting as we’re getting closer and closer to the big tournament!
Although their fitness is not 100%, Tata Martino has finally decided today that both Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore will be included to travel with the team to the COPA AMERICA. The team doctor’s have evaluated both injuries and have concluded that both players will need about 15 days of rest. This means that they will be at Tata’s disposal for the game against Panama in Chicago.
How much will this effect the team? Will this be deja vu all over again?
Vamos Argentina!!
Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Erik LAMELA gave a press conference today following training.
Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Erik LAMELA took part in a press conference today. Here’s what they had to say:
Gonzalo HIGUAIN:
“My mind is focused on the Copa America. The Copa America’s going to be tough. But we intend on winning it. I’ll bring my best to achieve it.”
“When you come to the National Team, your head has to be in it 100%. We have a great team to win the Copa America. When one’s head is in a right place, everything else comes alone. This year I had the confidence which I didn’t have previously.”
“Every player who comes to the National Team has the pressure of not winning titles. We also have pressure at our clubs as well. The big number of matches in the season are felt. But wearing the Argentina shirt is a great motivator.”
“It’s a luxury playing with MESSI. And I’m still enjoying it. I hope the chemistry I have with him keeps going. We’ve reached 2 finals. We’ve done something right.”
“The Copa is another chance. Having reached two finals is being close. But we deserve to win it.”
Here’s what Erik LAMELA had to say:
“I’ll adapt to the position Martino wants me in. We want to have a good Copa America. The match against Honduras on Friday will serve as preperation for it.”
“I could play on the right but also played on the left and behind the number 9. The decision is up to Tata.”
Paulo DYBALA’s stated that it’s unlikely he’ll be at the Copa America.
Paulo DYBALA spoke today and stated that he had a chat with Tata MARTINO (today) and that it would be “impossible” for him to be at the Copa America. Here’s what he had to say:
“I spoke with MARTINO today and it’s very unlikely that I’ll be at the Copa America. I would say impossible. I know that PASTORE has a problem (injury) but surely the coach has players ready to take his spot”.
“My talk with MARTINO was a positive one because he told me he’s considering me for the Olympics, which is what he’s always told me”.
