Lionel Scaloni admits he was forced to cut Joaquin Correa and Nico Gonzalez from Argentina’s World Cup squad as there were ‘no certainties’ the Serie A duo would remain fit during the competition.
Correa and Nico had been initially included in Argentina’s 26-man squad in Qatar, but were replaced just a few days before the start of the World Cup.
Correa had even scored a goal in Argentina’s last friendly against UAE, won 5-0 by the South Americans.
“Unfortunately, those two players had to leave because there were no certainties that they would be fit for the entire competition,” Scaloni said at a press conference today.
“I am very sad because of their injuries, two teammates replaced them and are giving their contribution.”
Defending Copa America winners Argentina have four other Serie A players in their team – Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes – and are among the favourites to lift the cup in Qatar next month.
“There are at least 10 countries who can win,” said Scaloni.
“Details will be crucial, but we’ll give our all to ensure things go well for us. We are calm, we always have pressure, but there is a different emotive charge and we are calmer than we used to be.”
Argentina make their debut against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at 10 am GMT. The last time they won the World Cup was in Mexico in 1986 with Diego Armando Maradona. They lost the Final against Germany at Italia 90.