The right-back from the Albiceleste would miss the last matches of the season with Atlético de Madrid and would arrive without rhythm for the match against Algeria.
With 37 days to go until the debut of the Argentine National Team in the 2026 World Cup, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni received concerning news. In the defeat of the Atlético de Madrid against Celta de Vigo, Nahuel Molina suffered an injury that would leave him out for the remainder of the season and put his presence in the first match of Group J against Algeria in Kansas at risk.
Hours after the match, and pending official confirmation, initial reports indicate that the right-back has a grade 1 tear. Although the specific area of the injury has not been disclosed, the estimated recovery time for such cases would be around 21 days. Thus, if the timelines are met, the defender would arrive just in time and without competitive rhythm for the Albiceleste's debut againstAlgeria, scheduled for June 16, although his presence will depend on his progress in the coming weeks.
Molina would arrive just in time and out of rhythm for his debut in the World Cup.
Molina's injury occurs at a sensitive moment in the planning for the World Cup. The squad is set to meet between May 28 and 29 in Kansas to begin the pre-tournament concentration. In this context, Scaloni had already indicated that he has the list of call-ups "pretty clear", although the deadline to submit it officially is May 30.
Molina's situation will be closely monitored, considering that he has established himself as a starter during the cycle and has definitively won the position over Gonzalo Montiel after the Qatar World Cup. In the event of any setback with the former Boca player, the River defender could take his place in the starting XI, although Agustín Giay is also an alternative, who was called up for the first time in the last FIFA date, although he is currently behind in the coach's considerations.
For now, the expectation within the coaching staff is that Molina manages to recover in time and can be available, even if just barely, for the start of the tournament.
