"He has significant pain" - Argentina star has been playing with ankle issue at FIFA World Cup
Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez's agent has revealed that his client has been playing with an ankle issue during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Martinez is a key player for Inter Milan and was expected to play a similar kind of role for La Albiceleste in Qatar. However, he has been far from impressive during the tournament.
Martinez is yet to register a goal or assist so far. He also squandered a few golden opportunities to get on the scoresheet after coming on as a substitute against Australia in the Round of 16. Fortunately, Argentina were able to hold on to their 2-1 lead to qualify.
The Inter Milan striker has lost his starting place to Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez. The player's agent, Alejandro Camano, has now revealed that Martinez is nursing an ankle injury.
- Lionel Messi
Argentina Top scorers since Scaloni took charge
2⃣8️⃣⚽️ - Lionel Messi
2⃣1⃣⚽️ - Lautaro Martinez
7⃣⚽️ - Angel Di Maria
3⃣⚽️ - Leandro Paredes
3⃣⚽️ - Paulo Dybala
PUT SOME RESPECT ON LAUTARO MARTINEZ NAME https://t.co/EP1ntSlkMq
Speaking to Radio la Red, via Sempre Inter, Camano said:
“He’s playing through physical problems, he has significant pain in his ankle, He’s working a lot to put the pain behind him, and once it is he should be flying."
Camano further displayed his faith in Martinez, saying:
“He’s a top striker in world football, He’s very mentally strong. His disallowed goals [in Argentina’s group stage opener against Saudi Arabia] were hard for him to digest,”
Camano further opined that fielding an attacking partnership between Martinez and Alvarez could benefit Argentina in the FIFA World Cup. He believes that they complement each other's qualities. He said:
“They can bring out the best in one another’s characteristics, they get on well together.”
Martinez has registered eight goals and six assists in 21 games across competitions.
Argentina set to play the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals
La Albiceleste will take on the Oranje in their next clash at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They are coming off a 2-1 win against Australia in the Round of 16.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, defeated the USA 3-1 to reach the quarter-finals. Louis van Gaal's side are unbeaten in the tournament and 19 matches across competitions.
vs. Croatia 
vs. Argentina 
Brazil 🇧🇷 vs. Croatia 🇭🇷
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 vs. Argentina 🇦🇷
Morocco 🇲🇦 vs. Portugal 🇵🇹
England 🏴 vs. France 🇫🇷
Here's a look at the #FIFAWorldCup quarterfinal matches.
nyti.ms/3BE3OQn
Argentina vs. the Netherlands has been an entertaining fixture in the World Cup. The Dutch won the memorable 1998 quarter-finals, courtesy of an amazing goal from Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.
Their last meeting came in the semi-final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Argentina relied on Sergio Romero's heroics to better the Dutch in the penalty shootout on that occasion.