Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel Ruled Out for World Cup Match Against Austria Due to Injury

The Argentina national football team faces another setback ahead of their second group stage match against Austria in the 2026 World Cup, as defender Gonzalo Montiel has been deemed unfit to play, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Reports indicate that the coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, made the decision not to include Montiel in the lineup after consulting with him. This precaution aims to prevent any aggravation of his injury and ensure his health during this critical phase of the tournament.

Montiel is suffering from a muscular injury in the back of his right thigh, which has kept him out of team training since last Thursday. He is currently undergoing an individual rehabilitation program as he prepares for a gradual return.

Manuel Molina is expected to be the most likely candidate to replace Montiel in the starting lineup, especially following his appearance as a substitute in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.

AS clarified that Montiel’s current injury is unrelated to a previous injury he sustained before the national team’s camp in Kansas, which affected a different muscle area and sidelined him from the final friendly match before the tournament.

Montiel is anticipated to undergo approximately one week of treatment, with the medical staff aiming to have him ready for participation in the final group stage match against Jordan, scheduled for next week in Kansas.