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Xabi Alonso raises doubts on Franco Mastantuono’s chances of playing the U20 World Cup with Argentina

Franco Mastantuono returned to Real Madrid training after the FIFA break. The 18-year-old started for Argentina against Venezuela and came off the bench against Ecuador, where he wore Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt.

AFA’s aim is to include Mastantuono in the squad for the U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso stated in a press conference: If it depends on us, he stays with us.” His words suggest it will be difficult for the midfielder to join Diego Placente’s final list. The situation mirrors 2023, when Real Madrid did not release Nico Paz for the same tournament.

Thiago Almada suffers muscle injury

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Thiago Almada has suffered a muscle injury and will be out of action for Atletico Madrid.

Almada played in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers but missed Argentina’s 1-0 loss against Ecuador due to fitness issues. Atletico Madrid has stated that the Argentine has suffered a muscle injury to his right leg.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke at a press conference on Friday and commented on Almada’s injury. Here is what he had to say:

“Thiago Almada? We’re losing an important player for our squad, adding to Baena… We have to live with what happens to us and that’s why we need to have a deep squad.”

Agustín Giay speaks about the Argentina national team

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Agustín Giay spoke about wanting to play with the Argentina national team.

Giay has been the starting right back for Palmeiras and in very good form. Joining them from San Lorenzo last year, the 21 year old has impressed with the Brazilian club. Speaking in an interview with Radio La Red, here is what he had to say:

“Playing for the Argentina National Team is my biggest dream. Every training session, every game, everything I do is with that goal in mind. There’s nothing greater for a player than representing their country, playing in the Copa America and the World Cup. I give my very best at the club so that one day I can make it there.

“The club told me they had received a call and were aware. Of course, that makes you dream a little because that’s where every player wants to be. And honestly, if I said I didn’t get excited, I’d be lying.”

Al Hilal negotiating to sign Santiago Castro of Bologna

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Al Hilal are negotiating to sign Santiago Castro of Bologna.

Santiago Castro could be leaving the Italian league to play in Saudi Arabia. According to César Luis Merlo, Al Hilal are negotiating with Bologna to sign the Argentine.

They are hoping to get the green light from the 20 year old and to reach an agreement with the Italian club. The Argentine forward joined Bologna last year from Vélez.

Nicolás Tagliafico speaks on Argentina in qualifying, penalty vs. Ecuador

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Nicolás Tagliafico spoke about the Argentina national team during the World Cup qualifiers and the penalty kick against Ecuador.

Tagliafico was part of a controversial call during Argentina’s 1-0 loss against Ecuador in the World Cup qualifiers. The Argentine won a header in the air but the referee went to VAR and awarded Ecuador a penalty kick. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what Tagliafico had to say about the penalty call:

“It’s a play where Preciado fights for the ball with Nico González and, at that moment, it’s up in the air. That’s when I jumped from my position: he raised his arm, won the position, and headed the ball. Then, obviously, with the vehemence that Preciado was coming at me, I hit him with my forearm. In the end, it was a totally normal duel.”

The Argentine also spoke about how the team has been doing:

“We have been doing a great job for a long time. Despite this setback, we have been doing very well throughout the process.

“Keeping the desire to win intact is one of the group’s greatest characteristics.”