Argentina Get Double Injury Boost as Álvarez and Romero Cleared for World Cup Defense

Defending champions **Argentina** received welcome news in their World Cup build-up as **Julián Álvarez** and **Cristian Romero** were both cleared to return from injury, easing fears over the spine of Lionel Scaloni's side.

Atlético Madrid forward **Álvarez** has recovered from an ankle sprain sustained on May 5, while Tottenham defender **"Cuti" Romero** returned to full training after a right knee ligament sprain. Both are expected to be available for Saturday's friendly against Honduras, handing the coaching staff a timely look at two indispensable players before the tournament opener.

Not all the news is positive. Goalkeeper **Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez** is nursing a minor fracture to the ring finger of his right hand; he will sit out the upcoming friendlies and faces a race to be fully fit for the opener. Lionel Messi, managing a minor issue, is not expected to feature against Honduras but should be available for the subsequent friendly against Algeria.

Argentina open their **Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City**, beginning the defense of the title won in 2022. Carrying a deep and experienced squad, Scaloni's challenge is to manage fitness carefully across a punishing summer rather than rush stars back prematurely.

For a champion side, the warm-up window is about arriving whole rather than peaking early. Clearing Álvarez and Romero removes two major worries; nursing Martínez and Messi through reflects the cautious calculus every contender now faces with a marathon tournament ahead.