WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Argentina possible starting XI against Colombia in the World Cup Qualifiers
The two teams will meet in Barranquilla for the first time since the Copa América final last July.
The South American Qualifiers are well underway. With qualification for the next World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico looming, the pressure to make the final cut is increasing.
The table is now taking shape but Argentina versus Colombia has the potential to shake things up: the replay of the Copa América final is hardly ever a calm affair and the upcoming match has the makings of a classic.
Argentina scould see certain rotations in the XI selected by the coach against Colombia. Players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González, Giovani Lo Celso and Gonzalo Montiel could all be in line to sit out the game in Barranquilla.
Likewise, allowing rest and not taking risks with the players suffering from physical problems could also be the reason behind rotations.
Argentina’s possible starting XI:
GK: Emiliano Martínez
DEF: Nahuel Molina, Cuti Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña
MID: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes
ATT: Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Paulo Dybala
Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Argentina?
Messi is currently in the final stages of his recovery process from an injury that he sustained in the Copa América final against Colombia during the summer. The forward has been sidelined since then while his club side, Inter Miami, have stormed to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
Recent reports suggest that the ex-Barcelona man could well be on his way back to action and some even suggest that his return could be as soon as the next few weeks, with Inter Miami reportedly planning to include him in the squad for one of their next two fixtures in MLS.
The return of Messi will be a huge boost for not only Inter Miami but also Argentina, as his presence in the dressing room has been key to the success of both sides.