Uncertainty surrounds Julián Álvarez's fitness ahead of World Cup

Uncertainty surrounds the fitness of Argentinian forward Julián Álvarez less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Although Álvarez completed training sessions with apparent normalcy earlier in the week, persistent pain in his left ankle has prompted the Argentine national team's medical staff to intensify his care and opt for a regenerative treatment.

ESPN correspondent Leo Paradizo reported that Álvarez is experiencing ankle pain and underwent treatment on Thursday. What initially seemed manageable has led to a more conservative approach to prevent further complications in an ankle that has shown lingering effects since the Champions League semifinal. The injury, a grade 1 sprain, originated during a match against Arsenal in Madrid. Despite discomfort, Álvarez chose to play in the second leg after receiving an anesthetic injection, a decision that sources close to the team suggest may have aggravated the affected area.

Wednesday marked a significant day as the player was absent from field training, instead working in the gym with physiotherapy. This strategic pause in on-field activity prioritizes his availability for Argentina's opening match on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. To aid his recovery, Álvarez underwent a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on Thursday. This regenerative therapy uses the patient's own blood to stimulate tissue repair, promoting natural and rapid healing without violating anti-doping regulations.

While Álvarez is ruled out of the upcoming friendly against Honduras in Texas, the medical team is hopeful for a gradual return to on-field training following the injection. His participation in the subsequent friendly against Iceland on Tuesday is also considered uncertain. Álvarez's injury adds to coach Lionel Scaloni's concerns, joining other players like Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Paz who are also in rehabilitation processes. However, Scaloni remains calm, relying on the positive evolution observed in the squad during the initial days of their training camp.

“

Julián's ankle hurts, he had a treatment today.