Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina faces at least three weeks out with a muscle injury, less than a month before Argentina begin their World Cup campaign.
Atletico confirmed the injury on Sunday, a day after their 1-0 home defeat against Celta Vigo in La Liga. Molina came off the bench during the match before club medical staff identified the problem.
The timing creates concern for both Atletico and Argentina. The 28-year-old now looks set to miss the remainder of Atletico’s domestic season while focusing on rehabilitation before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Argentina open their tournament on 16 June. Molina’s expected absence from training and match action leaves him short of preparation heading into the competition.
Lionel Scaloni has relied heavily on Molina since Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar. The right-back gives Argentina width down the flank and supports attacks with overlapping runs, while also covering quickly in defensive transitions.
Atletico have not confirmed whether Molina will return before Argentina’s first group match. The current recovery timeline leaves little room for setbacks.
Diego Simeone’s side already struggled for rhythm in the defeat against Celta Vigo, and Molina’s injury added to the frustration around the club before the close of the campaign.
Argentina now wait on further medical assessments while Molina begins recovery work in a bid to regain fitness before the tournament starts.
