Facundo Medina
Injury deemed cramp
Medina was only taken off due to a cramp and appears to have avoided an injury, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, per DSports. "We're very happy with Facundo (Medina); today he finished up with a cramp. Luckily, we also have Nico, who came in today and performed really well. I'm happy with both of them"
Analysis: Medina was taken off late in Friday's match as he signaled to the bench while holding his leg, bringing up concerns of an injury. However, it seems the concerns have already been brushed away, as the national team manager deemed his exit was only due to cramps. If this is the case, he remains an option for the round of 16, starting at left-back for the team in three of their four games thus far.
Leaves in discomfort
Medina was forced off in the 85th minute of Friday's match against Cape Verde due to apparent discomfort in his leg.
Analysis: Medina would go down near the end of regular time as he looked to have suffered an injury, with the defender holding the back of his leg as he exited. This will be something to monitor for the team as they head into the round of 16, as he has started in three games for Argentina at this World Cup. Nicolas Tagliafico started at left-back in the one match that Medina did not, and will be his likely replacement, with Gonzalo Montiel as another option.
Earns assist
Medina recorded one assist on one chance created to go along with one interception, three tackles and five clearances in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Medina was in the starting XI once again Monday, appearing to be the starting left-back for Argentina at this World Cup. He would earn his moment in the 38th minute, earning an assist on Lionel Messi's goal. He would also prove to be active in the defense as his team picked up a clean sheet as well. However, he will have to be careful in the group stage finale, that is, if he even plays, as he did pick up a yellow card against Austria.
Covers gap at left-back
Medina recorded two tackles (two won) and one clearance in Tuesday's 3-0 victory against Algeria.
Analysis: Medina got the start at left-back due to the absence of Nicolas Tagliafico (calf) and looked decent defensively, but he didn't do much going forward. Medina was simply a stopgap for this game. He should return to the bench for Monday's game against Austria on June 22 if Tagliafico is fit enough to feature.
Good outing despite penalty
Medina recorded one tackle (one won), seven clearances and three interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 win against Le Havre.
Analysis: Medina had a shaky outing in Sunday's 1-0 win at Le Havre, giving away a penalty in the 70th minute after catching Sofiane Boufal with a reckless challenge in the box, though he caught a huge break when Boufal smashed the spot-kick off the crossbar. He still bounced back well down the stretch, stepping up with two clutch interceptions as Le Havre pushed hard for an equalizer late. Medina finished with one tackle, three interceptions and seven clearances, showing resilience after the costly mistake.
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