Predicted XI

Messi to start - How Argentina could line-up against Paraguay

Lionel Scaloni's side have won their opening two games of World Cup Qualifying and will be hoping to maintain their 100% record

11:30am on Thursday 12th November 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Argentina will be without Paulo Dybala for this round of World Cup Qualifying fixtures after the Juventus star was left out of the squad due to injury.

The 26-year-old has had a fractured start to the new campaign as he has contended with injury as well as a positive test for coronavirus which saw him miss some action.

Now he has picked up, according to the Argentine FA, a genital issue.

Argentina: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

"Marcos Acuna and Paulo Dybala have been dropped," a release from the football association said.

"The Sevilla player has been withdrawn from the squad as a result of the muscle problem he suffered playing for his club on Saturday.

"Meanwhile Dybala has also been left out after presenting general genito-urinary symptoms.

"He needs to rest from playing sport, and to have tests."

There had been doubts over the fitness of Lautaro Martinez for Argentina, too, but the Inter striker was pictured taking part in full training on Wednesday and should be available for selection for Scaloni.

Emiliano Martinez could be set to start after enjoying a superb start to the new campaign with Aston Villa.

Leandro Paredes hasn't played much football over the past month or so for PSG, but returned to feature enough for the Parisiens to receive a call-up, and should make the starting line-up.

Lionel Messi is expected to start despite starting Barcelona's last match against Betis last weekend on the bench.