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Argentina has made a surprising decision to select Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez for their upcoming international fixtures, despite the player currently being sidelined with injury.
The reigning world champions have two friendly matches this month as they prepare for the upcoming Copa America in the summer. The move to call up the diminutive defender is reportedly aimed at improving their chances of winning the tournament.
Martinez to join Argentina squad
The 26-year-old is expected to travel on Monday to link up with the Argentina squad as they prepare to face El Salvador and Costa Rica in the USA at the end of the month. Martinez suffered a medial collateral ligament injury against West Ham in February and was initially ruled out for at least eight weeks.
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While his recovery has been progressing well, a first-team comeback for Manchester United wasn't anticipated until the Premier League clash against Brentford on March 30th. However, it seems United have agreed to release him to join Argentina, where he will complete the final stages of his rehabilitation. There's even a possibility of him featuring against Costa Rica on March 27th.
Argentina aims for three in a row
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According to reports, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is already looking ahead to the Copa America, which will be hosted in the United States this summer. Lionel Messi and his teammates will be aiming to equal Spain's achievement of winning three consecutive major international competitions, following their victories in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
Scaloni reportedly believes that including Martinez, despite his injury, will benefit both the player and the team. The additional time spent with Messi and the rest of the squad is seen as valuable preparation for the upcoming tournament.
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