Overview
- Cristian Romero left Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria with right-knee discomfort after 57 minutes and was replaced by Nicolás Otamendi, with cameras showing him applying ice on the bench.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni said the team does not yet know the extent of the problem and confirmed Romero will undergo medical tests on Tuesday or Wednesday to establish a diagnosis.
- Romero told reporters he felt optimistic and expected to recover in three to four days, and he later returned to the bench and sprinted to celebrate Messi’s goal, which suggests the substitution may have been precautionary.
- Argentina have already qualified for the World Cup knockout stage, so the squad can rest Romero in the final group match if scans recommend conservation rather than treatment.
- Tottenham and potential suitors are watching the scan results closely because a significant knee issue would affect Romero’s availability this summer and could reduce his transfer value after a similar right-knee injury in April.