Nicolás Tagliafico
Could return against Austria
Tagliafico (calf) is not training, but the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni believes the left-back could be available to face Austria on Saturday, June 22, according to TyC Sports.
Analysis: Tagliafico will miss the WC opener against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, but the left-back has an outside chance to return to the squad for the team's upcoming match. It remains to be seen who will start at left-back as his replacement against Algeria, with Nicolas Gonzalez (strain), Valentin Barco, Marcos Senesi and Lisandro Martinez all being options to fill that void.
Still not training
Tagliafico (calf) is still not training in full, Gaston Edul reports.
Analysis: Tagliafico has already been ruled out for the opening match of the group stage, so this isn't a big surprise. He was forced off injured against Honduras and hasn't recovered. Tagliafico wasn't removed from the World Cup squad, so there's still hope he will be ready at some point in the group stage, it just won't be right off the bat.
Will miss opener against Algeria
Tagliafico (calf) suffered a small muscle tear during the friendly against Honduras and will miss Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 17, according to TYC Sports.
Analysis: Tagliafico was forced off after just 45 minutes against Honduras when he suffered the injury, with medical tests later confirming a soleus tear in his left leg. Argentina's coaching staff elected to keep him with the squad because of his leadership and importance to the group, with the goal of having him available for the second group-stage match against Austria on June 22 if his recovery stays on track. The injury is considered minor and the soleus is typically one of the easier muscles to rehab, giving Argentina reason for cautious optimism that their first-choice left-back could be back in the mix for the knockout rounds if the team advances as expected. Facundo Medina is lined up to step into the role, with the Marseille defender offering valuable versatility thanks to his ability to operate both at center-back and on the left side of the back line.
Out with soleus injury
Tagliafico (calf) is expected to miss the first World Cup matchup versus Algeria as he works on his recovery from a soleus issue, per TyC Sports.
Analysis: Tagliafico was initially projected as Argentina's top left-back option, but his exclusion will force a change in those plans, with either Valentin Barco or Nicolas Gonzalez (strain) deployed in that role in the upcoming game. The experienced defender's status is a major concern for the squad, and his recovery timeline remains unclear. He would be a strong option for both attacking and defensive duties if he can complete his recovery ahead of the later stages.
Opener status uncertain
Tagliafico (calf) is uncertain for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria after sustaining a calf contusion during the friendly against Honduras, with the coaching staff taking a cautious approach to his availability, according to Diario Ole.
Analysis: Tagliafico was forced off at halftime of the Honduras match and was not part of the bench squad against Iceland, raising concerns over his fitness heading into the tournament. The 33-year-old left-back is recovering from a contracture in his left calf, and while his participation in the tournament itself is not believed to be at risk, there is a possibility the coaching staff opt to preserve him for the June 22 clash against Austria in Dallas rather than rushing him back for the opener. Valentin Barco and Nicolas Gonzalez had already been covering the left-back position during the warmup fixtures and remain the most likely options to start against Algeria if Tagliafico cannot be cleared in time.
Likely to start at left-back
Tagliafico is expected to be Argentina's starting left-back at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Tagliafico is coming off another solid season with Lyon, although he was limited to just 28 appearances between Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League due to fitness-related issues and a few suspensions. He's healthy for the World Cup, and he's expected to open the tournament as the starter on the left side of the defense with Valentin Barco being his likely backup. Tagliafico has reverted into a more defensive stance in recent years and is not the attacking-minded full-back he once was, though, so his fantasy appeal won't be as high as other full-backs, but he could be a solid choice for clean sheets during the group stage at a bare minimum.
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