Argentina’s World Cup title defense hasn’t even started and it already has problems. Nicolás Tagliafico, the 33-year-old Lyon defender, is nursing a left calf contusion sustained during a June 11 friendly against Honduras. He’s been training separately from the squad ahead of the Group J opener against Algeria on June 17.
He’s not alone on the treatment table. Nicolás González, the Atlético Madrid defender, is also working away from the main group with muscular issues.
What Scaloni is working with
Coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly evaluating Valentín Barco as a potential replacement at left-back if Tagliafico can’t recover in time. González presents an interesting wrinkle because he could theoretically slot into the left-back role himself, but his own fitness concerns make that a shaky Plan B at best.
Argentina enters the tournament as defending champions. The Group J slate includes Algeria followed by Austria.
