Marcos Acuna was replaced in Argentina’s starting line-up for the World Cup final against France after failing a late fitness test.
The left-back had been due to start in Doha today but eyebrows were raised when Nicolás Tagliafico was selected to start.
Acuna is a more robust defender than Tagliafico and he had been earmarked to play up against Ousmane Dembele.
But reports in Argentina say Acuna was suffering from a muscle injury on the day of the game and he was deemed unfit to start.
Lionel Scaloni has switched between the two throughout the tournament and he had even considered playing a back three with Lisandro Martinez coming into the side and Acuna playing left wing-back.
But Acuna’s injury means Scaloni’s only change from the semi-final comes in the form of Angel Di Maria coming into the side for Leandro Paredes.
The former Manchester United winger’s played just nine minutes of the knockout stages due to a thigh problem but it was felt his dribbling was needed up against Theo Hernandez, who struggled against Bukayo Saka in the quarter-finals.
MORE : ‘Today’s World Cup final is about more than just Messi and Mbappe’
MORE : Erik ten Hag considering move for Ajax star Mohammed Kudus after impressive World Cup campaign
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
