Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi sustained a groin injury in training with the La Albiceleste squad on Saturday, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
The Manchester City centre-back trained separately from the rest of the squad on Sunday at the Huracan Stadium in Argentina, fueling speculation he could be doubtful for Argentina’s opening game at the World Cup against Iceland.
Argentina are in the same Russia 2018 World Cup group with Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland.
Sergio Aguero, Lucas Biglia and Gabriel Mercardo are three other Argentine players currently battling their way back to full fitness ahead of the World Cup.
“Due to a slight problem in his groin area, Otamendi will train separately away from the group to avoid further risk,” a tweet from the Argentine official handle revealed.
Meanwhile, Marco Acuna also hurt his left foot after sending in a cross in training on Sunday but Coach Jorge Sampaoli was quick to play the injury down, stating that it was a minor one.
“He will be fine, it’s just a pain in the foot,” Sampaoli was quoted on Argentine outlet Mundo Albiceleste.
