Argentina is preparing for their final match of 2024 on Wednesday morning (Bangladesh time), where they will face Peru in the South American (CONMEBOL) World Cup qualifiers.
However, just ahead of the match in Buenos Aires, the Argentine squad has received some bad news. Two regular players are now ruled out due to injury and will not be playing against Peru.
To fill the gap, 21-year-old forward Giuliano Simeone has received an emergency call-up.
Giuliano is the son of Diego Simeone, the coach of Atlético Madrid. Although Giuliano has yet to make his debut for Argentina, he plays for his father’s club, Atlético Madrid.
Argentina will be missing two important defenders—Nahuel Molina and Cristian Romero—for the game against Peru. According to Argentine media outlet TYC Sports, Molina is struggling with a thigh injury.
The right-back, who was in the starting lineup during the last match against Paraguay, couldn’t finish the game and was replaced by Gonzalo Montiel.
Argentina’s official Facebook page has confirmed Molina’s injury and also announced the addition of Giuliano Simeone to the squad.
The second blow came with Cristian Romero, known as ‘Cuti,’ who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in England.
Romero had been dealing with a right-leg issue before the Paraguay match, but he played through it with the help of painkillers.
However, his condition worsened during the match, and he has since left the Argentina camp to return to England.
Leonardo Balerdi, who came on for Romero in the Paraguay game, is expected to start in his place against Peru.
Argentina is also facing uncertainty with Nicolás Tagliafico, but TYC Sports reports that Facundo Medina is ready to step in if needed.
As of now, Argentina is sitting at the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points from 11 matches.
Uruguay is in second place with 19 points, while Colombia also has 19 points in third, and Brazil is fourth with 17 points.
