Lionel Scaloni faces selection headache as injuries mount before Algeria match

Argentina have been dealt a significant injury setback just two months before their 2026 World Cup meeting with Algeria national football team, with several key players sidelined following a difficult weekend in European competitions.

Concerns are mounting within the squad led by Lionel Scaloni after three regular starters were forced off with injuries, raising doubts over their fitness ahead of the tournament.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a central figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, suffered a fresh setback before Aston Villa’s match against Nottingham Forest.

The 31-year-old reported leg pain during the warm-up and was withdrawn before kick-off. Medical tests are expected to determine the extent of the issue.

It marks the third time this season he has encountered injury problems during pre-match preparations, a situation that is causing growing concern.

In another Premier League fixture, Cristian Romero was visibly distressed as he left the pitch after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Sunderland.

The centre-back collided with his own goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, and was substituted in the second half.

Diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament injury, Romero is expected to be out for between six and eight weeks, offering a narrow window for recovery ahead of Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria on 17 June in Kansas City.

Meanwhile, in Serie A, Lautaro Martinez has also been sidelined. Inter Milan confirmed the forward is dealing with mild discomfort in his left calf, forcing him to miss the club’s victory over Como.

Although his expected absence is around two weeks, concerns persist due to the recurring nature of his muscle issues earlier in the season.

The injury concerns extend beyond the weekend’s events. Defender Juan Foyth suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in January, ruling him out of the World Cup with a recovery period estimated at six to eight months.

Midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso, who plays for Real Betis, has also faced fitness struggles after a muscle injury that kept him out of recent international fixtures. Although he has returned to action, uncertainty remains over his availability.

Additionally, Nicolas Tagliafico of Olympique Lyonnais had been sidelined for a prolonged period following an ankle sprain in January.

He has since returned and is aiming to secure a place in the final squad.

With multiple fitness concerns affecting key players, Argentina face an anxious build-up as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Algeria.