Argentina coach Gerardo Martino showed his hand as the side practiced ahead of Saturday’s Copa America debut against Paraguay, giving Sergio Agüero the nod to start at centre-forward in the team which will be captained by Lionel Messi.
The Albiceleste carried out their first formal training session in a closed-door session in La Serena, where the nation are based for the Chile tournament. Three possible starters were rested during the session with injury complaints.
Martino decided that goalkeeper Sergio Romero would not form part of the first XI after hurting his shoulder during the friendly win over Bolivia, with Nahuel Guzmán pulling on the gloves for the starters. Romero remains a doubt to play Argentina’s first clash in Group B as he continues his recovery.
In defence, Facundo Roncaglia, Ezequiel Garay, Nicolás Otamendi and Marcos Rojo lined up, while in midfield Martino picked Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega and Javier Pastore, mientras que Ángel Di María, Messi Agüero were the three members of the squad picked up front, leaving Tevez and Gonzalo Higuaín on the bench.
As well as Romero, defender Pablo Zabaleta and midfielder Lucas Biglia were given time to rest as Martino looks to have the trio at full fitness by Saturday. Boca Juniors’ Fernando Gago, meanwhile, suffered a muscle twinge and did not take part in the practice match.
buenosairesherald.com