Lisandro Martinez could miss out on Argentina starting XI for World Cup semi-final

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Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez is busy preparing for a World Cup semi-final with Argentina.

Ahead of tonight’s last four clash against Croatia, Martinez is anxiously waiting on manager Lionel Scaloni’s decision whether he will start the game.

From five games played at the World Cup so far, Martinez has started two, come on as a substitute twice, and been an unused substitute once.

He did start the quarter-final against Netherlands, playing 90 minutes and not the extra-time.

Will Lisandro Martinez start for Argentina?

Argentina take on Croatia in the semi-finals tonight in a fixture which kicks-off at 7pm.

The latest report from Martinez’s homeland suggests the Manchester United defender could be set to miss out on a place in the starting line-up.

TyC Sports report Martinez was not included in Argentina’s final walk through in practice on Monday, with Scaloni’s preferred XI hinted at.

This was Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandez, MacAllister, Di Maria, Alvarez, Messi.

The previous day Argentina had practiced with three different formations, which saw Martinez named in the XI only once, in a 5-3-2 system.

However, it appears as though Argentina could go with a 4-3-3 to take on Croatia, leaving Martinez on the bench.

Used as a substitute twice in the tournament, Martinez could still have a big part to play if Argentina are to reach the final.

He produced a fantastic game-saving block against Australia in their last 16 clash after coming off the bench, earning the praise of his teammates.