Nahuel Molina
Makes impact in win
Molina had one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-1 win against Switzerland.
Analysis: Molina registered one cross and two clearances across his 85 minutes in Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland before being replaced by Gonzalo Montiel, having his best moment early in the second half when a defence-piercing Lionel Messi pass sent him racing towards goal only for the right-back to drag his shot wide when a goal would have restored Argentina's lead before Dan Ndoye's equalizer arrived. The right-back's ability to time forward runs and get in behind opposition defensive lines remains one of Argentina's most important attacking dimensions.
Creates two chances
Molina generated one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Egypt.
Analysis: Molina registered two chances created, one cross and three tackles across his 73 minutes in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt before being replaced by Gonzalo Montiel with his side still 0-2 down, contributing to Argentina's attacking pressure in the first half without being on the pitch to witness the three-goal comeback that followed his withdrawal. The right-back's ability to arrive into dangerous areas and deliver quality crosses into the box remains one of Argentina's key attacking weapons, and his availability heading into the Switzerland quarterfinal will give manager Lionel Scaloni options at right-back after Montiel's decisive impact as his replacement.
Whips in two crosses
Molina generated two crosses (zero accurate) and three tackles in Friday's 3-2 victory versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Molina was kept on the field until halfway through extra time, a solid 104-minute shift. He would only record two crosses and three tackles, not seeing his best match despite all the time on the field. This marks two starts in four games for the defender this World Cup, with Exequiel Palacios and Gonzalo Montiel as other options.
Records two interceptions
Molina recorded two tackles, two interceptions and three clearances in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Molina was not all that active in the attack Monday as he did most of his work in the defense, recording a few significant stats. This shows the plan for the defender is likely to help the defense more than joining the attack, as a chance created is his only offensive contribution so far. He did play the full 90 after 45 minutes from the bench in the last match, competing for time with Gonzalo Montiel.
Will start against Austria
Molina (hamstring) is set to start Argentina's clash against Austria on Monday, according to Gaston Edul.
Analysis: Molina's return to the starting lineup follows his recovery from the hamstring issue that had been monitored in the buildup to the tournament, and his inclusion gives Argentina their preferred defensive setup as they look to build on their opening victory. The right-back is expected to provide both defensive solidity and an attacking outlet down the flank in what should be another comfortable outing for the defending champions.
Training Saturday
Molina (hamstring) is back in full training Saturday, Gaston Edul reports.
Analysis: Reports earlier in the week indicated Molina will be fit and available for the World Cup opener against Algeria and all signs point towards that remaining the case. The defender should be back fully available, but there's no guarantee he's rushed back in a match that Argentina would expect to control throughout.
Expected available for WC opener
Molina (hamstring) is expected to be available for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 after recovering from the injury that had kept him out of Atletico Madrid's final three matches of the season, according to Miamiherald.
Analysis: Molina's recovery removes a potentially significant defensive concern for coach Lionel Scaloni heading into the tournament, with the right-back one of the first names in the starting lineup when fit. His combination of defensive solidity and attacking output from the right-back position makes him one of the more important players in Argentina's setup, and his availability gives the defending world champions their preferred option on that side of the defense heading into the opener.
Trains in full Friday
Molina (hamstring) returned to full training on Friday with the Argentina squad, confirming his recovery from the injury that had kept him out of Atletico Madrid's final three matches of the season, the federation posted.
Analysis: Molina's return to collective sessions is a significant boost for coach Lionel Scaloni heading into the World Cup, with the right-back expected to be one of the first names in the starting lineup when Argentina's campaign gets underway against Algeria on June 16. His availability removes a potentially significant defensive concern for the defending world champions, who will count on his combination of defensive solidity and attacking output from right-back throughout the tournament.
Expected back by end of week
Molina (hamstring) has entered the fourth week of his rehabilitation and could be in contention for Argentina's second friendly against Iceland or in the World Cup opener versus Algeria, Martin Arevalo of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Molina's status will continue to be monitored by his national team as he targets a return to action in the World Cup. The defender, who was sidelined in the final three matches of the season with Atletico Madrid, is a solid candidate to start on the right side of his country's back four, offering both defensive and attacking value. Otherwise, Gonzalo Montiel could serve as a potential replacement option.
Recovering well
Molina (hamstring) arrived in Argentina on Monday in good spirits and expressed confidence in his ability to be fit for the World Cup, according to Javier G. Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. "I am fine from the injury, very well. I am calm, I still have time."
Analysis: Molina had suffered a small hamstring tear in the final action of the Celta Vigo fixture, effectively ending his Atletico season, but the positive tone of his comments is a significant relief for coach Lionel Scaloni and Argentina heading into the World Cup. The right-back will spend the coming days resting and continuing his rehabilitation before joining up with the Albiceleste squad, with his timeline appearing comfortably on track to have him available for the defending champions when the tournament gets underway.
Suffers small hamstring tear
Molina suffered a small hamstring tear in the final action of Saturday's 1-0 loss against Celta Vigo and is ruled out for approximately three weeks, bringing his season at Atletico to a premature end, according to Carrusel Deportivo.
Analysis: Molina ends the campaign with two goals and two assists alongside 56 tackles and 48 clearances across 39 appearances in all competitions, having been one of coach Diego Simeone's most reliable options throughout the season. The three-week recovery timeline delivers some relief for Argentina, with the diagnosis indicating Molina should be fit in time to join the Albiceleste squad for the World Cup this summer. The focus now shifts entirely to his rehabilitation with the tournament on the horizon.
Assists off bench in victory
Molina assisted once to go with one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 win over Athletic.
Analysis: Molina made his presence felt as a substitute, playing a long ball that Alexander Sorloth turned into a stoppage-time goal against the Bilbao side. Despite being in and out of the starting lineup, Molina has made a strong impact this campaign, leading the team's defenders in La Liga direct contributions with four, alongside Marcos Llorente. The Argentinian will look to take minutes off Llorente at right-back as the season heads into its final stretch.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare