Argentina squad finalized for upcoming matches
Argentina's World Cup squad planning is underway, with coach Lionel Scaloni reportedly finalizing a preliminary list of 22 players for the upcoming tournament just two months away.
Recent concerns over defender Cristian Romero's injury have eased somewhat. The Tottenham Hotspur player was forced off the field with a ligament issue in his right leg, but is now expected to recover within five to eight weeks. Despite this positive prognosis, Romero's participation in Argentina's opening World Cup match remains uncertain, prompting the team to consider alternatives.
Leonardo Balerdi is emerging as a key candidate to fill potential defensive gaps, with Marcos Senesi and Facundo Medina also vying for selection. Given the risk associated with Romero's fitness, the coaching staff may opt against playing him in the first match against Algeria on June 16. This scenario would likely see Balerdi enter the starting lineup. He is considered a crucial option as he is a right-footed center-back, a profile currently only matched by Nicolas Otamendi within the squad.
Juan Foyth has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, intensifying the competition for the fifth center-back spot. The confirmed defenders currently include Romero, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, and Balerdi.
Marcos Senesi, a regular starter for Bournemouth since his 2022 move from Feyenoord, is the frontrunner for the final defensive position. He has played 33 matches this season and has recently earned call-ups to the national team.
Facundo Medina of Olympique Marseille faces a steeper challenge, having last played for Argentina in June of the previous year. Injuries have further hindered his chances of selection, and he has not been called up since.
Midfield options reportedly being considered include Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Nico Gonzalez, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, and Thiago Almada.
