With just two days before Argentina’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, coach Lionel Scaloni has a significant blow. After the already confirmed absence of Lionel Messi Due to injury, The striker Lautaro Martínez has also been excluded due to a muscle injury.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the team’s preparation. The team will need to make significant adjustments to compensate for the absence of their two star players.
Martínez has handled a persistent muscle problem, especially the second part of the Inter’s Champions League match against Feyenoord due to the injury.
Despite points in Inters’s subsequent match against Atalanta, additional medical assessment revealed a muscle injury in his left hamstringOfficially excludes him from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The severity of the injury will be a key factor in determining Martínez’s recovery time.
Potential reimbursements for Martínez and tactical adjustments
With Martínez’s confirmed absence, Julián Álvarez is the likely starter as a middle forward. Nicolás González, a common in Scaloni’s squad, is a strong challenger to join Álvarez in the beginning eleven.
But other players can also see increased playing time. Messi’s absence opens up opportunities for players who are usually not starters, including the possibility of a 4-4-2 formation or alternative options on the midfield and the attack. The unexpected absence can lead to significant changes in team dynamics and style of play.
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Several tactical adjustments are possible given the absence of both Messi and Martínez. The coach can choose a 4-4-2 formation and integrate Leandro Paredes in the midfield and Parliament González with Álvarez in advance. Alternatively, Scaloni can integrate a player who Thiago Almada or Ángel Correa to serve as a link between midfield and attack, or potentially distribute three forwards.
Giuliano Simeone can also be considered depending on the selected formation. The coach will need to make very important decisions to determine the last lineup and playing style for the team. The team will need to overcome the absence of these important players and adapt to a modified range and play strategy. The upcoming matches against both Uruguay and Brazil will be a very important test for the team.
