Argentina have received a significant boost ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England, with Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, and Leandro Paredes all declared fit to feature. The defending champions survived a gruelling extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring in the additional period to secure a 3-2 win.
Fitness concerns after Switzerland match
According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, the heat, travel, expanded 48-team tournament, and two extra-time periods are taking a toll on Lionel Scaloni's squad. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes were substituted during extra-time against Switzerland, while other players reportedly raised concerns about potential injuries.
Messi received a heavy blow to his right eye from a challenge by Granit Xhaka midway through the second half and was seen receiving on-field treatment. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was left bloodied but reportedly felt no lasting pain after the match.
Good news from medical staff
Despite the physical demands, Argentina have been given 'good news' following the match in Kansas, with no player finishing injured. The report states that both Romero and Paredes came off 'exhausted' but 'without any physical problems', and Messi's discomfort quickly subsided. All three are expected to be named in the matchday squad for Wednesday's clash at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Scaloni's cautious approach
Only a small section of Argentina's squad trained on Sunday, with Scaloni taking a careful approach to player workload. 'We are going to recover, which I think is what we need and is the most important thing,' Scaloni told reporters. Only substitutes and unused players participated in the session, while starters watched from the sidelines. The squad will train again at their Kansas City base before travelling to Atlanta.
England's own fitness issues
England also face fitness concerns ahead of the semi-final, with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa experiencing issues in their quarter-final win over Norway. Rice had been suffering from a sickness bug, and manager Thomas Tuchel revealed his half-time substitution was partly tactical. 'Knowing that Declan struggled after the last three days, he was most of the time in bed, I knew he could not survive the 90 minutes,' Tuchel said. Konsa suffered cramps in his hamstring.
The match between England and Argentina takes place on Wednesday, 15 July at 20:00 BST. Remarkably, Messi will face England for the first time in his international career should he feature in Atlanta.
