Gonzalo Montiel
RB
Overlapping Full Back
Jan 1, 1997 (29)
Right
5'9"
150 lb
Appears versus Iceland
Montiel (muscular) recorded 20 minutes of play off the bench during Tuesday's warm-up game against Iceland prior to the World Cup.
Analysis: Montiel has left his injury behind, regaining his place in the right-back rotation with Agustin Giay and Nahuel Molina (hamstring). The former Sevilla defender is not guaranteed to see meaningful minutes, so he may be a risky fantasy pick. Still, his defensive strength makes him a reliable option whenever he's on the field, and he may also find opportunities to push forward as part of a side that is likely to dominate at least in the opening fixtures.
Likely for World Cup opener
Montiel (muscular) is expected to be available for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 after recovering from the micro-tear that had raised concerns over his place in the final squad, according to Miamiherald.
Analysis: Montiel had been among the players coach Lionel Scaloni was monitoring most closely during the buildup to the tournament, with FIFA rules allowing injury-enforced squad changes up to 48 hours before a team's opening fixture had remained a relevant consideration. His expected availability removes that uncertainty, giving Scaloni a reliable right-back option to call upon throughout the tournament should Nahuel Molina require rotation or suffer any further setback.
Dealing with muscular injury
Montiel (muscular) is recovering from a micro-tear and is among the players coach Scaloni is monitoring most closely ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, with his place in the final squad not yet guaranteed, according to Urgente 24.
Analysis: Montiel has been in recovery for more than two weeks since the muscle injury emerged, giving him a reasonable timeframe to prove his fitness before the tournament begins. However, FIFA rules allow squads to make injury-enforced changes up to 48 hours before a team's opening fixture, meaning coach Scaloni could decide to replace him if he cannot demonstrate full fitness in the coming days.
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