Manager Lionel Scaloni named a 28-player Argentina squad on Tuesday for the upcoming November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, marking the national team’s first roster since the international retirement of Lionel Messi, Radiocanal reported.
La Albiceleste hosts Uruguay on Friday, November 13, at La Bombonera before traveling to Córdoba to face Costa Rica four days later on Tuesday, November 17.
The Return of Dibu Martínez Amid Injury Concerns
Among the notable inclusions is Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. Radiocanal reported that Martínez earned selection despite sustaining a jaw fracture weeks ago during a Premier League fixture against Everton, a recovery timeline the player had previously discussed in interviews.
The squad also features returns and fresh faces across the pitch. Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino and Parma's Mariano Troilo received their first call-ups to strengthen the defense.
Injuries and Tactical Decisions Force Roster Changes
Scaloni’s latest list leaves out several established figures due to injuries, tactical decisions, and suspensions. Cristian “Cuti” Romero and Lautaro Martínez were omitted due to physical issues, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso missed the cut as part of a broader tactical renewal for the upcoming international cycle.
Those omissions join a long-term transition already underway following the international retirements of Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi. Defender Nahuel Molina and midfielder Leandro Paredes were unavailable due to suspension.
The complete 28-player roster confirmed by the coaching staff includes:
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Gerónimo Rulli (Manchester City), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid), Santiago Beltrán (River Plate).
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Agustín Giay (Palmeiras), Aaron Anselmino (Chelsea), Mariano Troilo (Parma), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Román Vega (Zenit).
- Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen), Máximo Perrone (Como 1907), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town), Valentín Barco (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Manchester City), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Matías Soulé (Roma), Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid).
- Forwards: Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Thiago Almada (River Plate), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid).
Preparations for November Fixtures in Buenos Aires and Córdoba
El Litoral reported that the squad will assemble in Buenos Aires ahead of the opening match against Uruguay on November 13 at La Bombonera. Following the Buenos Aires derby, the team will relocate to Córdoba for the November 17 fixture against Costa Rica.
Scaloni has not detailed how he intends to structure his starting lineups without Messi, Romero, and De Paul, leaving the exact tactical formation open.
Earlier coverage: Argentina Squad: Lionel Scaloni Announces First Roster Without Lionel Messi for November Friendlies
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