Argentina have received a major boost ahead of the World Cup, with midfielder Leandro Paredes expected to be available despite a recent injury scare.
According to Argentine outlet TYC Sports, there is no concern about Paredes missing the tournament. While he has not fully recovered yet, he is expected to be fit for Argentina’s opening World Cup match.
The update comes as coach Lionel Scaloni continues to deal with several injury concerns in his squad. News of Paredes’ recovery will ease some of those worries before the defending champions begin their campaign.
Paredes picked up the injury during Boca Juniors’ Copa Libertadores match against Universidad Católica. Boca Juniors lost the game and were knocked out of the competition.
The midfielder struggled with a problem in his right hamstring during the match. However, medical examinations later confirmed that he had not suffered a muscle tear.
After the game, Paredes explained why he decided to play despite the issue.
“I had been dealing with a hamstring issue throughout the week. But there was no way I wanted to miss this match or stay on the bench. The coach told me to be honest, to play, and to take care of myself because I had bigger goals ahead. It was a match I simply could not sit out.”
Argentina’s first training camp ahead of the World Cup begins on Monday in Kansas. The squad has already arrived there to start preparations.
The world champions will play two friendly matches before the tournament. Argentina face Honduras on Saturday in College Station, Texas. They will then meet Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama.
Paredes could feature in at least one of those matches as he continues his recovery.
Even so, a place in the starting eleven is not guaranteed. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister are currently expected to form Argentina’s first choice midfield at the World Cup.
Paredes remains an important option for Scaloni, but he may have to wait for his chance if the preferred midfield trio stays fit.
