Gonzalo Montiel
RB
Overlapping Full Back
Jan 1, 1997 (29)
Right
5'9"
150 lb
Out with minor injury
Montiel is out for Monday's match against Austria due to a minor injury in his hamstring, according to TyC Sports.
Analysis: Montiel will not be an option for Argentina in their second group stage match, as the defender will be rested after a hamstring injury. Luckily for the team, it appears to be minor and a more cautious move for the team after three points in their opener, not wanting to risk his health. He will look to return in the group stage finale, with Nahuel Molina likely to take his place in the starting XI.
Workload managed by staff
Montiel trained separately on Thursday after the coaching staff decided to reduce his workload as a precaution, with the right-back facing the possibility of losing his starting spot to Nahuel Molina for Monday's clash against Austria, according to TYC Sports.
Analysis: Montiel started Argentina's opener against Algeria but has been dealing with a minor muscular discomfort that prevented him from training normally on Thursday, though he is expected to rejoin the rest of the group as soon as Friday. Coach Lionel Scaloni could make up to three changes to his starting lineup for the Austria match, and Nahuel Molina could step in Montiel's spot against Austria.
Decent effort defensively
Montiel had two tackles (two won), two clearances and one interception in Tuesday's 3-0 victory against Algeria.
Analysis: Montiel isn't the attacking-minded full-back he was four years ago, and he wasn't much of a threat going forward in this game. He was replaced by Nahuel Molina in the second half, and it remains to be seen who will get the nod at right-back against Austria on Monday, June 22.
Appears versus Iceland
Montiel (muscular) recorded 20 minutes of play off the bench during Tuesday's warm-up game against Iceland prior to the World Cup.
Analysis: Montiel has left his injury behind, regaining his place in the right-back rotation with Agustin Giay and Nahuel Molina (hamstring). The former Sevilla defender is not guaranteed to see meaningful minutes, so he may be a risky fantasy pick. Still, his defensive strength makes him a reliable option whenever he's on the field, and he may also find opportunities to push forward as part of a side that is likely to dominate at least in the opening fixtures.
Likely for World Cup opener
Montiel (muscular) is expected to be available for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 after recovering from the micro-tear that had raised concerns over his place in the final squad, with coach Lionel Scaloni commenting "Montiel, Molina and Nico Paz are available".
Analysis: Montiel had been among the players coach Lionel Scaloni was monitoring most closely during the buildup to the tournament, with FIFA rules allowing injury-enforced squad changes up to 48 hours before a team's opening fixture had remained a relevant consideration. His availability removes that uncertainty, giving Scaloni a reliable right-back option to call upon throughout the tournament should Nahuel Molina require rotation or suffer any further setback.
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