Defender Cristiano Romero has been ruled out of Argentina’s first Copa America knockout match against Ecuador. The final test revealed that the player was not completely free of injury, increasing the chances of landing German Pesella with Nicolas Ottamendi in the quarter-finals. But Scaloni has not made a final decision on this.
Tyke Sports reports that Scaloni have a rough idea of the first XI to land in the quarterfinals after training the previous day. One of the positions without fully deciding on it is left back. The coach has not confirmed which of Tagliafico’s and Marcos Aquino will make the starting XI against Ecuador, but the Sevilla star has the upper hand.
Contract expired? Nothing to worry about. ✌?
? Leo Messi’s contract at @FCBarcelona has officially expired but the Argentine maestro is simply enjoying his training session as ?? Argentina face ?? Ecuador next in the quarterfinals of the CopaAmerica! ?????? pic.twitter.com/wXgBmR6emn
– FOX Sports Asia (@FOXSportsAsia) July 1, 2021
Apart from this, the Argentine coach has not made a final decision on who will play in the midfield. While Rodrigo de Paul’s position is certain, Scoaloni could try either of the other two positions in midfield, Guido Rodriguez, Leonardo Parades and Giovanni Lo Celso.
Scaloni is also likely to bring significant change in the forward line. He is considering replacing Nico Gonzalez, who has been in the starting XI for all the major tournaments, with Sevilla’s Pappu Gomez, who has scored two goals in the tournament. However, Gonzalez will be in the starting XI if Scolari is confident of the Stuttgart star’s work rate.
Argentina XI: Emiliano Martinez, German Posella / Nicolas Olivendi, Nicolas Tagolia, Guido