The Argentine National Team secured a great victory against Austria, but the celebration was overshadowed by the injury of Cristian «Cuti» Romero. The defender, a key piece in the Albiceleste’s defense, set off all alarms when he was substituted in the second half with discomfort in his right knee. What happened? Is his continuity in the 2026 World Cup at risk?
Just a few minutes into the second half, Romero contested a loose ball with an Austrian player and ended up on the ground, holding the back and side of his knee. A gesture that chilled the blood of all fans and the coaching staff. The defender tried to continue, but his mobility was a shadow of what he usually shows: he stepped awkwardly, could not change direction, and accelerated with limitations.
From the bench, Lionel Scaloni did not hesitate: at the 57th minute, he sent Nicolás Otamendi onto the field to avoid further damage. «We don’t want to risk such an important player,» said those close to the coach. The concern is immense because Romero is a pillar in the world champion’s scheme, which so far leads Group J after defeating Algeria and the European team.
The medical staff will perform tests in the coming hours to determine the exact degree of the injury. A good sign is that Romero was able to leave the field walking on his own, albeit with difficulty and without needing a stretcher. This reduces the likelihood of a prolonged absence, but caution is the watchword. It is not the first time the defender from Córdoba has had physical problems: he already carried muscle discomfort towards the end of last season with Tottenham.
If the injury turns out to be more serious, Scaloni will have to rearrange the defense. The central duo could be Otamendi and Lisandro Martínez, while Marcos Senesi, who has not yet had minutes in the tournament, remains as an alternative. The next match will be on Saturday, June 27 against Jordan at the Dallas Stadium in the United States, for the third round of the group. Will Cuti make it? It all depends on what the tests say.
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Para mí esto huele a que la AFA y los dirigentes bosteros no cuidan a los jugadores. El Cuti es un vidrio, siempre se lesiona en el peor momento, y mientras tanto el Ratón Martínez ni convocado. Scaloni se manda cada cagada que no podés creer. Así nos va a ir en el Mundial, con la rodilla hecha mierda.
Para mí esto es un choreo de los yankis, siempre lo mismo. Cuti se lesiona justo ahora, huele a sabotaje de la Premier para bajarlo del Mundial. Los médicos que se apuren, pero yo creo que es una lesioneta armada. ¡Fuerza Cuti, la celeste y blanca te necesita!