Football news
Yasmine Green
Footem’s expert
Translated by the editors
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has raised concerns among Albiceleste fans regarding the team’s fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In a recent statement, Scaloni noted that the enforced replacement of injured defender Leonardo Balerdi may not be the only alteration expected in the final squad list.
According to The Touchline, Scaloni indicated that multiple players’ fitness levels are in question, prompting potential changes beyond just the defensive lineup. He acknowledged the team’s serious issues as they prepare for the tournament:
“Not all of our players are at 100% right now. We may have to add to the squad not just a central defender.”
Scaloni’s comments suggest that there is unease surrounding the health of players from various positions, with medical staff voicing concerns about their conditions. Despite the pressure, Scaloni urged for composure and stated that panic is unwarranted:
“We haven’t decided on a replacement yet. There is no need to panic, but several players are still not in optimal shape. We have one more match to assess the situation and gather more information, so we’re not going to rush any decisions,” Scaloni emphasized.
Argentina is set to compete against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan during the World Cup.