The Argentina nationwide workforce has confronted a difficult worldwide break as they navigate the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Already suffering from accidents and absences, coach Lionel Scaloni failed to search out the suitable workforce within the 2-1 loss towards Paraguay. With now the sport towards Peru on sight, Lionel Messi loses one other essential participant following an harm replace.
In a press release launched on Saturday, the Argentine Soccer Affiliation confirmed that Nahuel Molina skilled discomfort at the back of his proper thigh throughout coaching and can miss Tuesday’s recreation at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. His absence provides to Scaloni’s mounting defensive woes.
To handle the squad’s thinning ranks, Scaloni has made the sudden resolution to name up Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid supervisor Diego “Cholo” Simeone. Nevertheless, the transfer has raised questions amongst followers, as Simeone Jr. is primarily a ahead/winger relatively than a defensive participant. The 21-year-old, who has but to debut for Argentina’s senior facet, will be a part of the workforce from Madrid on Sunday.
Molina’s absence compounds a rising checklist of defensive accidents. Lisandro Martínez and Germán Pezzella have been unavailable earlier than the Paraguay match on account of health points, whereas Cristian Romero was subbed off at halftime towards Paraguay with ache in his proper toe.
One other participant that drew concern was Nicolas Tagliafico, who suffered a shoulder harm throughout the identical recreation, leaving each Romero and the left again availability for the Peru conflict unsure. Scaloni now faces the troublesome process of rebuilding a depleted backline.
Who’ll substitute Molina in the suitable facet?
Nahuel Molina has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s protection beneath Scaloni, combining defensive reliability with offensive aptitude. His absence leaves a major void, forcing the coach to think about alternate options.
Essentially the most easy answer is Sevilla’s Gonzalo Montiel, who changed Molina within the 78th minute towards Paraguay. Montiel, identified for his defensive prowess and flexibility, is the pure candidate to step in. Nevertheless, given the bodily calls for positioned on Argentina’s full-backs, relying solely on Montiel might current challenges.
Another choice is a tactical shift to a three-man backline. This formation would enable Scaloni to make use of Giuliano Simeone on the suitable flank in a extra superior position, leveraging his athleticism whereas minimizing defensive duties. Whereas unconventional, this setup might supply a inventive answer to Argentina’s defensive disaster.
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