Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is pushing to start Tuesday’s World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against Brazil in Buenos Aires.
De Paul was not 100% ready for Friday’s 1-0 away win over Uruguay, and was subsequently left on the bench to give him the best possible chance to start on Tuesday.
Argentina were also mindful that the Atletico Madrid midfielder was just one yellow card away from receiving a one-match ban.
While De Paul is in contention to start at Estadio Mas Monumental, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is unable to call upon the likes of Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez due to injury.
Meanwhile, Juventus attacker Nico Gonzalez is suspended for the meeting with Brazil after receiving a straight red card on Friday for a high boot on Nahitan Nandez.
Emiliano Martinez made his 50th international appearance on Friday, and he is now set to be joined in the half-century club by Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero should resume his central defensive partnership alongside Nicolas Otamendi, while Nicolas Tagliafico will marshal the left side of the back four.
Alexis Mac Allister is likely to line up in the middle of the park alongside De Paul, who will replace Leandro Paredes if he proves his fitness in time for the home fixture.
Chelsea Enzo Fernandez will support his fellow midfielders but is likely to operate just in front of the double pivot.
Giuliano Simeone is set to offer the attacking threat from the right flank, while Thiago Almada should keep his place on the left after producing a stunning goal to clinch three points on Friday.
Julian Alvarez could be the fourth Atletico player to appear in the starting lineup, with the striker looking to add to his 11-goal international tally.
Argentina possible starting lineup: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez
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