Winger Angel Di Maria, who was not part of the starting playing XI in Argentina’s Round of 16 game against Australia in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, wasn’t brought on during the entire duration of the match.
While the Albiceleste went on to win the game 2-1 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Di Maria remained on the substitutes bench.
There were already doubts surrounding Di Maria’s availability for the first knockout game after he was subbed off with an injury in the 59th minute of the Albiceleste’s 2-0 victory over Poland in their last Group C match.
On Friday, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the rumours, saying the 34-year-old has suffered a muscle overload in his left foot.
“Di Maria had discomfort. After training we will decide on the team depending on the fitness of Angel and other players. If he’s okay, he will play,” he said during the press conference
Di Maria, who was not seen during the open training session ahead of the match against the Socceroos, could be spotted cheering from the sidelines in his training kit and bib during the game.
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