Cristian Romero Returns to Training as Argentina Prepares for Final Group Match

Romero's Recovery Progress

Kansas City, June 27 – Cristian Romero, the Argentine defender, has made significant strides in his recovery from a knee injury, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Friday. Previously, Romero was limited to individual workouts under the guidance of the team's physiotherapists after he sustained the injury during Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in the FIFA World Cup Group J match on Monday.

The centre-back had to leave the field in the 57th minute and is anticipated to miss Argentina's upcoming group-stage match against Jordan on Saturday. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is expected to take his place.

At 28 years old, Romero had just returned from a knee injury he suffered in April, raising new concerns about his fitness levels.

Argentina conducted their final training session in Kansas City on Friday ahead of the match against Jordan, but Romero was absent during the first 15 minutes that were open to media coverage.

The session commenced with a video analysis of the Jordanian team, followed by gym work and then practice on the field. Head coach Lionel Scaloni led tactical drills, while his assistants focused on set-piece strategies, including free-kicks and corner routines.

Argentina will wrap up their Group J campaign against Jordan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday. This match is largely inconsequential, as Lionel Messi's team has already secured the top position in the group after winning against Algeria and Austria.

On the other hand, Jordan has been eliminated from the tournament after suffering consecutive losses to Austria and Algeria, making Saturday's match irrelevant for the final standings in Group J.