Argentina was in a happy mood. A ticket to the quarter-finals has been secured, where the opponents are the Netherlands. Lionel Messi was preparing for this match. But bad news has arrived in the meantime.
Argentinian media "Clarin" and "Mundo Albiceleste" reported that Rodrigo Di Paul felt discomfort in the hamstring of his right leg today. His performance against the Netherlands is uncertain.
Rodrigo Di Paul did not train with his teammates. Practiced separately, so as not to get injured again. This Atletico Madrid midfielder has played a great role in Argentina's progress to the last eight in this World Cup. Keeping the midfield in the game, Messi got the opportunity to attack. He also thwarted the opponent's attack. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will be in trouble if Rodrigo Di Paul is not available against the Dutch.
However, intensive efforts are underway to rehabilitate The Paul. Doctors kept him under observation during a separate practice at Qatar National University's ground number 3. However, Alejandro Papu Gomez also has a slight injury. The winger injured his left ankle against Australia in the last sixteen. Papu Gomez spends time in the gym by himself instead of training with his teammates.
Argentina coach Scaloni lined up the midfield in today's training with Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis McAllister. In other words, Scaloni is keeping 'Plan B' ready if he doesn't get Di Paul.
But there is good news for Argentina. Injured winger Angel Di Maria has returned to training with Messi. Di Maria was in awe throughout the session. That means he has a good chance of playing against the Dutch. "Clarin" said, Argentina practiced "close door" today. Scaloni has figured out how to break Dutch coach Louis von Gaal's 3-4-1-2 formation.
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