Lautaro Martinez ruled out from Argentina’s squad to face Brazil and Uruguay for the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers
- Anweshan Ghosh
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
The Argentina national team has suffered another major blow, as their star forward, Lautaro Martinez, has been ruled out for the upcoming CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to a hamstring injury.
The World Cup winners are currently top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers table with 25 points with eight wins (D1 L3) in 12 games and will face arch-rivals Uruguay and Brazil in their upcoming two fixtures.
In a devastating blow for the fans, captain Lionel Messi had also opted out before the squad for the international break was released, reportedly due to a minor injury.
Apart from Messi, Gonzalo Montiel, Paulo Dybala, and Giovani Lo Celso have also been left out of the squad for the upcoming fixtures due to injuries, and now, the Inter Milan talisman has also joined them in the list of unavailable players for the defending world champions.
Lautaro has been an integral part of Lionel Scaloni’s team, also scoring the winning goal against Colombia in the final to seal the 2024 Copa America title for Argentina.
How will Lionel Scaloni set up his team against Uruguay and Brazil?
Argentina will be without their “heart and soul”, Lionel Messi, which will require someone to step up and fill his shoes for the upcoming two fixtures.
The Albiceleste will have the ever-reliable Emi Martinez in between the posts, along with Nicolas Otamendi and Christian Romero forming the centre-back pair. German Pezzella or
Leonardo Ballerdi could also feature in the backline instead of the two experienced defenders in case Scaloni plans to tweak his game plan.
Nicolás Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina are the undisputed full-backs for Lionel Scaloni and therefore will most likely be amongst the first names in the starting XI for both the fixtures.
Rodrigo De Paul is likely to line up alongside Premier League duo Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister in the heart of the midfield, while Leandro Paredes could be deployed in place of Fernandes or Mac Allister against Brazil to provide some defensive solidity.
Lionel Messi’s absence has opened up a lot of possibilities for Scaloni up front, with the in-form Giuliano Simeone and Ángel Correa both in contention to compete for Messi’s right-wing spot.
Nicolas Gonzalez is expected to start on the left wing. With his tremendous pace and defensive backtracking, the Juventus winger provides the energy on many occasions for Scaloni's team.
The Argentina fans have high expectations from Julian Alvarez, who is expected to carry his goal-scoring form at the international level as well. The 25-year-old will most likely be the spearhead of the Albiceleste attack.
20-year-old Nico Paz could be the one to watch out for, who has lit up the Serie A with his exceptional talent. Bologna’s young duo Santiago Castro and Benjamin Dominguez are also exciting options up top for the Argentine boss.
Argentina’s expected lineups against Uruguay and Brazil
Emiliano Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina (RB), Christian Romero (CB), Nicolas Otamendi (CB), Nicolas Tagliafico (LB), Enzo Fernandez (CDM), Rodrigo De Paul (CM), Alexis Mac Allister (CM), Angel Correa (RW), Nico Gonzalez (LW), Julian Alvarez (ST).
Formation: 4-3-3
Comments