Argentina Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Cleared for World Cup Opener After Finger Injury
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez fractured his right ring finger during the Europa League final but avoided surgery to be ready for the 2026 World Cup. After a critical MRI and medical tests, his cast was removed, and he resumed glove training. He has been cleared to start in Argentina's opening match against Algeria on June 17 in Kansas City, where the defending champions begin their campaign.
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Argentina Goalkeeper Martinez to Remove Protective Gear for World Cup Round of 16 Despite Finger Fracture
Argentina's starting goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed a fractured ring finger on his right hand after a 3-1 victory over Jordan. The injury occurred during warm-ups before the Europa League final, and doctors had initially recommended surgery, which Martinez declined to avoid missing the World Cup. Despite lingering pain and limited training, Martinez announced he will no longer wear protective gear for the Round of 16 match against Cape Verde. His teammates, including goalkeepers Rulli and Musso, trained with him using a volleyball to accommodate the injury. Physiotherapist Capuchetti also worked late nights to reduce swelling. Martinez expressed regret over conceding a goal to Jordan, comparing it to the Saudi Arabia match in the previous World Cup, but emphasized Cape Verde's physicality, defense, and counterattack threat. The match will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
虎扑 - 足球Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez Provides Clear Hints About His Physical Condition
Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, goalkeeper for the Argentine national team, expressed satisfaction after Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan in a World Cup match held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas. Martínez, who fractured the ring finger on his right hand during the Europa League final with Aston Villa in May 2026, has been playing with protective gear and undergoing special training. He conceded his first goal of the tournament in this match but stated that his physical sensations are improving. Martínez requested to play against Jordan after Argentina secured top spot in their group, and he expects to be able to 'save and train normally' in the upcoming match against Cabo Verde on July 3 in Miami.
FútbolScaloni to Start Emiliano Martinez Against Jordan Despite Squad Rotation Plans
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni plans to start goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the final group stage match against Jordan at the 2026 World Cup, despite having already secured top spot in the group. According to Argentine outlet Olé, Martinez is an exception to the planned squad rotation. The reason is twofold: First, Martinez is regaining match rhythm after fracturing the ring finger of his right hand on May 20, just before the Europa League final. He refused surgery to make the World Cup roster. Second, he is chasing the Argentina national team clean sheet record held by legendary goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Martinez currently has 43 clean sheets in 61 matches, four shy of Romero's 47 in 96 matches. Although backup goalkeepers Musso and Rulli have impressed in training, Scaloni prefers Martinez for defensive stability. Argentina will train Friday before departing for Dallas for the match.
虎扑 - 足球Ole: Dibu Martinez Not Rested Against Jordan, Needs to Build Match Rhythm
According to Ole, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez is expected to start for Argentina in their upcoming World Cup match against Jordan, marking his third consecutive start in the tournament. The decision appears driven by his need to continue building match rhythm after recovering from a fracture in his right ring finger. Martinez barely made it back in time for Argentina's opening match against Algeria. The report, sourced from X (formerly Twitter) and published by Hupu Football News, indicates no rest is planned for the goalkeeper, suggesting he remains a key figure in Argentina's World Cup campaign despite recent injury concerns.
虎扑 - 足球Reporter: Dibu Martinez Confirmed to Start for Argentina Against Algeria in World Cup Opener
According to reporter Esteban Edul, Argentina's starting goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez is in excellent physical condition and will 100% start in the team's first World Cup group stage match against Algeria. The coaching staff is satisfied with his recovery progress after recent tests. Additionally, defenders Montiel, Medina, and Lisandro are expected to start together. In contrast, left-back Nicolas Tagliafico remains in the recovery phase from injury and will not be included in the matchday squad for the early games, though he has resumed ball training. The Argentine coaching staff will finalize the lineup based on opponent characteristics and player fitness.
虎扑 - 足球Argentina Faces Possible Absence of Emiliano Martinez Against Algeria in World Cup Opener
Argentina, the reigning world champions, are preparing for their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria, who return to the tournament after a 12-year absence. However, the team may be without a key player: goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. According to Argentine television, Martinez, who has been troubled by a hand injury, appeared to be grimacing heavily at the end of a training session. He removed his splint for the first time on Friday, but his ring finger injury on his right hand does not seem to be improving. Argentine press reports suggest he could miss the first match to avoid further risk, with Gerónimo Rulli likely to start in his place. Argentina is keen to avoid a repeat of their poor start in 2022, when they lost to Saudi Arabia. The match is scheduled for Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertJulián Álvarez trains with group; Dibu Martínez shows positive recovery signs
The Argentine national team received positive updates ahead of their World Cup debut against Algeria on Tuesday. Goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, recovering from a fractured right ring finger, faced shots for the first time and practiced soccer-tennis with teammates, declaring 'We are fine.' Midfielder Nicolás Paz returned to full training after being held out on Thursday. Julián Álvarez, Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nahuel Molina, who had minor discomfort, trained normally. Defender Nicolás Tagliafico did separate gym work due to a soleus strain. The squad awaits the arrival of Marcos Senesi, called up to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi.
Últimas NoticiasJulián Álvarez trains with group, Dibu Martínez shows positive signs ahead of World Cup debut
The Argentina national football team received positive updates ahead of their World Cup debut against Algeria. Goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, recovering from a fractured right ring finger, faced shots for the first time and practiced soccer-tennis with teammates, declaring 'We are fine.' Midfielder Nicolás Paz returned to full training after being held out on Thursday. Julián Álvarez, Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nahuel Molina, who had minor discomfort, trained normally. Defender Nicolás Tagliafico did separate gym work due to a soleus strain. The squad awaits the arrival of Marcos Senesi, called up to replace injured Leonardo Balerdi.
Últimas NoticiasArgentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez completes first full training session ahead of World Cup opener
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez completed his first full training session with the national team on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as preparations continue for Tuesday's World Cup Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri. The 33-year-old, who suffered a finger injury during warm-ups for Aston Villa's UEFA Europa League final win over Freiburg on May 20, is considered likely to start the match. Martinez elected against surgery to ensure his availability for the World Cup and was rested for Villa's final Premier League fixture. Known as 'Dibu,' he was a key figure in Argentina's 2022 World Cup title run, earning the Golden Glove award. He made a crucial save against France's Randal Kolo Muani in extra time of the final and saved a penalty from Kingsley Coman in the shootout. In 2026 World Cup qualifying, Martinez played 16 of 18 matches, keeping 10 clean sheets as Argentina became the first South American team to qualify. He has 59 career caps since 2021.
Yardbarker: SoccerMartinez Removes Splint, Resumes Hand Training but Shows Pain During Saves
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez, recovering from a fractured right ring finger, has removed his fixed splint and resumed training with bandaged fingers. During a session, he showed visible pain after a right-side save, and his right hand appeared uncomfortable. However, the latest medical examination indicates that callus formation at the fracture site is progressing well, and the pain response will not alter the subsequent recovery plan. The news, sourced from Hupu Soccer, highlights Martinez's rapid recovery and reassures fans of his availability for major tournaments, given his reputation as a key penalty saver for Argentina.
虎扑 - 足球Leo Messi Gains Key Partner Emiliano Martínez for World Cup Debut Against Algeria
Argentina, the defending World Cup champion from Qatar 2022, is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Lionel Messi playing in his final tournament at age 38. The team received positive news as goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, a key figure in their 2022 success, has been cleared to play in the opening match against Algeria on June 17 in Kansas. Martínez suffered a fractured ring finger on his right hand during the Europa League final between Aston Villa and Freiburg, but completed the match and lifted the trophy. He avoided surgery to ensure availability for the World Cup. After medical tests, the cast was removed, and he trained with gloves despite initial discomfort. Argentina remains among the favorites to win the tournament.
FútbolESPN: Dibu Martinez Returns to Glove Training; Never Considered Missing World Cup Opener
According to ESPN Argentina, Argentine national team goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez resumed glove training for the first time since fracturing the ring finger of his right hand during the Europa League final 22 days ago. The cast has been removed, and he participated in light two-handed drills on Thursday, a day earlier than the medical team's original timeline. Argentina coach Scaloni had indicated that callus formation would allow increased training intensity in the final days before the World Cup opener. Martinez reportedly spent nearly an hour on the pitch and never considered missing the opening match against Algeria. Argentina will face Algeria next Tuesday in Kansas City to begin their World Cup campaign as defending champions.
虎扑 - 足球Argentina's Dibu Martinez Passes Pre-Match Check, Available for Algeria Match
Argentina national team goalkeeper Damian 'Dibu' Martinez has passed a pre-match medical examination and is cleared to play in Argentina's first group stage match against Algeria. According to Argentina team reporter Edul, Martinez underwent tests that returned normal results, and his cast has been removed. While his finger will continue to be protected, he can now wear gloves and resume targeted strength training. All recovery progress is on schedule, and he is expected to start in the upcoming match against Algeria.
虎扑 - 足球Argentina Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to Undergo Key MRI on Thursday for Fractured Finger Recovery
According to Argentine media Ole, Argentina national team goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez will undergo a critical MRI scan on Thursday, June 11, 2024, to assess the healing of his fractured right ring finger. The coaching staff and medical team have been optimistic about his recovery, but the scan will determine if he can remove the bandage and resume normal training with gloves. If results are satisfactory, he could resume two-handed training as early as Friday. Head coach Scaloni indicated that protective gear might be partially removed by Friday if callus has formed. Martinez's father Beto emphasized the need for patience to ensure full healing for the remainder of the World Cup schedule. The team hopes Martinez will be fit for the World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City next Tuesday.
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