Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano assures that Nico Gonzalez is focused on Fiorentina and is not prioritising his national team.
The Argentina international has been struggling with injuries this season and was forced off the pitch early in the first half during Saturday’s 4-3 loss against Inter.
Some fans feared that Nico didn’t want to take any risk to avoid missing out on the World Cup that begins in less than a month.
“Nico is not available tomorrow, he is not 100% fit, and he has a problem that does not make him feel well,” Italiano said at a press conference.
“I listen to my players. Right now, he doesn’t feel fit to play. I can ensure that nobody is not prioritising the club in favour of something incoming [the World Cup]. If Nico is not 100% fit, he must be respected.”
The Tuscans host Istanbul Başakşehir at the Stadio Franchi in a Conference League Group A match on Thursday.
“We must win this game, trying to cause more trouble for our opponents than in the reverse fixture. They are a tough team that play well, but we can make it,” said the coach.
“The lads know how to link up and be balanced. We know our system well, but I am trying to introduce something different. We managed to create troubles for a great defence like Inter’s.”