Lisandro Martinez is preparing to start for Argentina in their opening game – but two positions are in play.
Argentina are preparing to kick off the defence of the World Cup when they face Algeria in the early hours of Wednesday.
Lisandro Martinez is fit again after an injury-disrupted season that meant he did not play in any of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers.
He is vital to Argentina’s hopes, and his versatility is part of the reason why. An injury to a teammate means that Martinez could have to shift positions.
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Lisandro Martinez role for Argentina vs Algeria
Lisandro Martinez is one of Argentina’s top centre-backs. However, he could be forced to fill in at left-back for Argentina’s opening game against Algeria.
Argentine outlet Diario Hoy reports that an injury to Nicolas Tagliafico has created an early dilemma for manager Lionel Scaloni.
Martinez is one of two players under consideration to fill in, along with Facundo Medina.
In the event Martinez is chosen to start at left-back, then Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi will start at centre-back.
If Medina starts the game, then Martinez and Otamendi will be the expected starters.
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Argentina’s favourable group
Lisandro Martinez is more effective at centre-back, but he won’t let his country down at left-back either.
Argentina do not need to rush players with injuries during the group stages, as they have a very favourable draw.
Along with Algeria, they also face Austria and Jordan. Even when not at full strength, it would be a surprise if they did not pick up all nine points.
They may even be in a position to rest and rotate players by the third group game.
Martinez played in five of seven games for Argentina in 2022, but only two as a starter, and did not get on at all in the final.
He will be keen to play every single minute if he can in 2026, whatever the position.
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