The absence of Cristian “Cuti” Romero represents a significant challenge for Lionel Scaloni in the Argentine National Team. The coach will have to rebuild the defense with limited options and in the midst of an urgent situation due to the injury suffered by Romero in the ligaments of the right big toe during the match against Paraguay. This loss adds to the existing ones in the national team, leaving Scaloni with a formation very different from the ideal and forcing him to seek alternatives in players like Leonardo Balerdi and Facundo Medina to face Peru next Tuesday, in a crucial clash on the road to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The accumulation of injuries is marking this stage of the South American Qualifiers, which has led the Argentine team to rely on less common names. Despite the difficulties, the group remains supported by a competitive spirit that characterizes it and that Scaloni seeks to maintain in each call-up.
Romero, a key piece in the scheme of the Argentine team, had to be substituted at halftime of the match against Paraguay and is already in London to start his recovery, which means he will not be available for the match against Peru. This absence adds to those of Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Germán Pezzella, and Nicolás González. Molina, like Romero, has been sidelined for the next match, prompting Scaloni to call up Giuliano Simeone as an emergency replacement.
Additionally, Nicolás Tagliafico finished the last match with physical discomfort, raising even more alarms within the Argentine coaching staff. Romero, who has been one of the pillars in the Argentine defense, standing out for his solidity and leadership since the 2022 World Cup, leaves a significant void in the team that Scaloni will have to fill with the available options.
