Argentina to Open World Cup Without Nicolás Tagliafico
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will have to start the World Cup without one of his captains, Nicolás Tagliafico, who is expected to miss the opening match against Algeria because of a muscle strain, according to a report in Argentine outlet Olé. Tagliafico played a significant role in Argentina’s most recent World Cup triumph.
Facundo Medina is expected to replace him at left back. Although Medina’s natural position is in central defense, the Marseille defender has already played the role in Argentina’s last two warmup matches, against Honduras and Iceland.
The report also says Valentin Barco, the 21-year-old left-footed youngster who can operate both in midfield and across the back line, is not expected to start despite being considered one of the squad’s most promising players. Nicolás González, who can also cover the left side of defense, is injured as well.
In midfield, Gastón Edul reports that Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Thiago Almada have already secured their places in Scaloni’s lineup for the clash with the Desert Foxes.
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