Lionel Scaloni left Asunción with concerns following his team’s defeat.
The coach of the Argentine national team, Lionel Scaloni, has started preparations for tomorrow’s match against Peru, which is part of the 12th day of the South American qualifiers for the World Cup, but will have to do so without Nahuel Molina and Cristian Romero, both absent.
The Albicelestes are keen to secure all three points against Jorge Fossati’s side and bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Paraguay last Thursday. However, they will be deprived of two regular starters.
The Atletico Madrid right-back is suffering from discomfort in the back of his right thigh, while the Tottenham central defender has been carrying a problem since his last match against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Romero played through his injury against Paraguay, but had to be substituted at half-time to avoid worsening his condition. Scaloni opted to return to Europe to begin his recovery ahead of the crucial final stages of the year.
Additionally, left back Nicolás Tagliafico also suffered a right shoulder injury in a duel during Thursday’s match against Gustavo Alfaro’s team, although he is doing everything possible to be fit for Tuesday’s meeting.
In view of these recent withdrawals, the Pujato coach called up Giuliano Simeone as a last-minute addition to the Argentine squad.
Furthermore, before this double FIFA date, the national team was already aware that it would be without Nicolás González (hamstring problem), Lisandro Martínez (injury suffered against Leicester in the Premier League), and Germán Pezzella (who has not recovered from a calf injury).
In the meantime, the national coach is analyzing potential replacements for the absent players and for Tagliafico, in case he cannot participate in the match against Peru in optimal conditions.
To replace Molina, the natural and likely option for Scaloni would be Gonzalo Montiel, while Leonardo Balerdi should come on for the ‘Cuti’ after replacing him at the start of the second half against Paraguay.
Finally, if Lyon left-back Tagliafico is unable to play against the Peruvians, Facundo Medina, another late call-up due to injuries, would be tasked to start the match.
The rest of the team is expected to remain the same as the one that started against Paraguay in Asunción, although the coach may decide on further changes.
Thus, the probable formation to face Peru would be: Emiliano Martínez; Montiel, Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, and Tagliafico or Medina; Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi; Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.
Despite the defeat, the national team left a rather poor impression in Asunción. The team played poorly, and several key players showed that they were currently below their level. These players must be woken up by the Argentinian coach.
