Photo by Musiu0 - Depositphotos

As reigning champions Argentina prepare to launch their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, head coach Lionel Scaloni faces a major selection dilemma surrounding the fitness of star forward Julián Álvarez. The Atlético Madrid striker is locked in a race against time to completely shake off an ankle injury before the Albiceleste make their tournament bow.

Placed in Group J, Argentina face an early morning kick-off against Algeria on 17 June. With five days remaining before the opening whistle, the extra recovery time offers Álvarez a precious window to continue his tailored training regime and banish the lingering discomfort that has dominated pre-tournament buildup.

The 26-year-old forward has been managing a persistent ankle sprain initially sustained during the first leg of Atlético Madrid’s Champions League semi-final against Arsenal in late April. After pushing through the pain barrier using anti-inflammatory injections for the second leg on 5 May, Álvarez was sidelined for the remainder of the domestic La Liga season.

Upon arriving at Argentina’s training camp at Sporting Kansas City's facilities in early June, Álvarez was placed on a specialized individual recovery program. To accelerate the healing process and eliminate inflammation, team doctors administered platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. While the Argentine Football Association (AFA) recently gave the forward the medical green light to resume full training alongside Lionel Messi and the rest of the squad, concerns linger regarding his match sharpness.

Even if Álvarez feels fully fit, his place in the starting lineup is far from guaranteed. Scaloni is weighing whether to risk his primary frontman from the start or utilize Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez, who has worked with the projected starting XI during tactical sessions while Álvarez focused on rehabilitation.

Given the grueling nature of an expanded 48-team tournament, the coaching staff may choose a conservative approach against Algeria, opting to preserve Álvarez for the latter stages of the tournament rather than rushing him back for the opener.

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