Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez could start on the bench in the Argentina FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Tuesday.
This according to Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports, via FCInterNews. The broadcaster anticipates that Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez could start in place of Martinez.
Inter captain Martinez was in Argentina’s starting eleven as they secured a 1-0 win over Ecuador last Thursday.
The 26-year-old is still a regular starter for the Albiceleste. This in spite of the fact that the Inter striker had dropped out of the starting lineup for much of the World Cup in Qatar.
Martinez had started in group stage matches against Saudi Arabia and Mexico.
But after lacklustre performances from Martinez in those matches, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni changed things up.
The coach turned to Man City striker Alvarez. The Cityzens player had more luck in the role. He was favoured to start throughout the entire rest of the tournament. Including in the final against France.
Martinez – who was reportedly carrying an ankle injury in Qatar – did have his chances to feature. This included scoring the winning penalty in a shootout against the Netherlands.
However, after the match against Mexico, Martinez only ever played as a substitute.
Lautaro Martinez To Be Rested For Argentina Vs Bolivia
Despite a disappointing World Cup on a personal level, Martinez has seemingly clawed back his starting place.
That was evident as the Nerazzurri captain started against Ecuador.
Martinez did not get on the scoresheet in that match. And in fact it was the Inter striker coming off the pitch that immediately preceded Lionel Messi scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory.
According to TyC Sports, Julian Alvarez (the player who replaced Martinez) will start against Bolivia next week.
This does not necessarily entail that the Man City striker has become the new starter in favour under Scaloni though.
