Leandro Paredes
ARGCM
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Jun 29, 1994 (31)
Right
5'11"
165 lb
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World Cup status not at risk
Paredes (hamstring) does not have a muscle tear as initially feared and is instead dealing with a contracture causing some discomfort, with his World Cup participation not at risk and a chance of featuring in one of the pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras or Iceland, according to Gaston Edul of TYC Sports.
Analysis: Paredes arrived in Kansas on Sunday ahead of Argentina's first training session of the week, and while he will report slightly below full fitness, the updated diagnosis is a significant relief for coach Lionel Scaloni and the defending world champions. The midfielder is likely to accumulate some minutes in one of the two friendlies to regain match sharpness ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, though his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed given the competition from Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister for places in the midfield.
Fitness concern ahead of World Cup
Paredes (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during Boca Juniors' Copa Libertadores group stage match against Universidad Catolica, putting his availability for Argentina's pre-World Cup friendlies in doubt, according to Martin Arevalo of ESPN.
Analysis: Paredes had been showing signs of discomfort in the back of his leg during the warmup before the match but decided to take the field in an attempt to help Boca secure qualification to the round of 16, a gamble that ultimately worsened his condition. The world champion midfielder had been named in Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad and was expected to join the group for the friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9, though his participation in both matches is now uncertain following the results of further testing. The immediate concern for Argentina is how he will respond to treatment over the coming days, with his availability for the opening World Cup fixture against Algeria on June 16 also being closely monitored. Manager Lionel Scaloni will need to assess whether Paredes can recover in time to play a meaningful role in the tournament or whether adjustments to the squad may be necessary.
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