Injury Concerns for Argentina Ahead of World Cup Departure
Argentina’s preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a setback, with two key players picking up injuries during Wednesday’s friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. Striker Rodrigo Palacio and centre-back Martín Demichelis will both miss Saturday’s warm-up fixture against Slovenia.
Palacio, who plays for Inter Milan, suffered a sprained left ankle and is now in doubt for Argentina’s opening match of the tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 June. Medical staff are closely monitoring the striker’s condition, but there is growing concern he may not recover in time for the Group F opener.
In contrast, Manchester City defender Demichelis is expected to be fit for the start of the World Cup despite his minor knock. The 33-year-old, who played a key role in City’s title-winning season, has been sidelined as a precautionary measure.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella is also managing other fitness concerns within the squad. Forwards Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín, along with defenders Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay, are all nursing minor injuries or muscle discomfort. All four will be rested for the Slovenia match as a precaution.
The team is scheduled to depart for Brazil on Sunday, and Sabella will be hoping for no further complications in what is shaping up to be a tense final phase of preparations. With expectations high and Argentina regarded among the tournament favourites, ensuring the squad arrives in peak physical condition will be crucial.
La Albiceleste will begin their World Cup campaign against Bosnia in Rio de Janeiro, before facing Iran and Nigeria in the remaining group-stage fixtures.
