Cristian Romero gets good news on World Cup chances with Argentina after Tottenham injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Argentina is trying to become the first team to repeat as World Cup champion in six decades.
To make it happen, they'll want to be as close to full health as possible, and right now, many eyes are on Cristian Romero.
Romero was hurt late in the English Premier League season for Tottenham Hotspur, and he was ruled out for the rest of their battle against relegation.
But it looks like Romero will still have a chance to earn the Argentina call-up for the World Cup starting next month.
ESPN released new projections for World Cup rosters, and Romero is projected as one of Argentina's starters by Damian Didonato.
He does at least acknowledge that it's no sure thing in the back line.
"Argentina's weaknesses involve a lack of depth in certain positions and the recurring physical issues of their defenders," Didonato writes.
The spine of the defending world champs is certainly stronger when Romero is in there. He also brings an intensity to the pitch that is tough to match.
As it stands, Didonato projects Romero to start alongside Lisandro Martinez in a back-four. He lists Nicolas Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina as the two fullbacks. The expected goalie is Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina will still operate through all-time great Lionel Messi, who surely is playing in his last World Cup. They'll have to maintain their strong firepower to keep up with the world's other top teams.
But if that defense is sturdy, and healthy, that can go a long way toward hoisting the trophy again.
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