Argentina Dealt Severe Injury Blow Ahead of Crucial Austria Clash

The Argentine national team has suffered a significant setback ahead of their highly anticipated second World Cup group match against Austria. Right-back Gonzalo Montiel has been ruled out of the upcoming fixture after sustaining a hamstring injury during recent training sessions.

Medical examinations confirmed that Montiel has a minor strain in his right hamstring, which prevented him from participating in full squad training on Thursday. As a result, the defender will not be available for selection when La Albiceleste takes the pitch in Dallas on Monday.

Molina Poised to Step In

With Montiel sidelined, the Argentine coaching staff is expected to hand a starting role to Nahuel Molina on the right flank. Molina, who did not start the opening match, put in an impressive performance after coming on as a second-half substitute during Argentina's fixture against Algeria.

Although the coaching staff believes the injury is not overly severe, Montiel is scheduled to undergo isolated, individual training sessions on Saturday and Sunday. While he will continue his rehabilitation program over the weekend to regain match fitness, team sources confirmed to TyC Sports that his chances of featuring against Austria are virtually non-existent.

A Separate Injury History

Team doctors clarified that this current setback is entirely unrelated to the previous hamstring injury Montiel suffered prior to joining the World Cup camp. His earlier injury occurred on his opposite leg during the Argentine league semifinals while playing for Rosario Central, an ailment that ultimately forced him to miss the final against Belgrano.

Nicknamed 'Cachate', Montiel was one of ten Argentine players whose World Cup preparations were disrupted by late arrivals and physical limitations. He previously spent a week training away from the main group and missed the pre-tournament friendly against Honduras, before making a brief second-half cameo in Argentina's match against Iceland.

Argentina will face Austria on Monday at 2:00 PM local time in Dallas, before traveling to Kansas for their final Group stage encounter against Jordan on Saturday night.