The player suffered a sprain in his right ankle and will be inactive for at least two months, thus missing the friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico
Medina, formerly of River and Talleres, had been drafted in the last double round of Qualifiers but was left out in the final cut. After a multi-million transfer to Marseille in this window, his adaptation was delayed by physical problems, and now he is once again sidelined at a key moment for both his club and the National Team.
Lionel Scaloni is finalizing details to announce the list of drafts for the October FIFA double matchday, in which the Argentina National Team will face Venezuela and Puerto Rico on U.S. soil. However, one of the defensive alternatives has been ruled out: Facundo Medina suffered an injury that will sideline him not only for these matches, but also for the November window.
Olympique de Marseille reported that the 26-year-old defender sustained a right ankle sprain during the match against Ajax in the Champions League, after a hard tackle by Lucas Rosa in the 33rd minute of play. Medina tried to continue but had to leave the field a few minutes later. The medical report indicated a recovery time of nearly two months.
This is a tough blow for the Albiceleste coaching staff, which is already dealing with several absences in the back line: Lisandro Martínez still hasn't returned after a ligament rupture in his knee, Nehuén Pérez has been ruled out due to a serious Achilles tendon injury, and Leonardo Balerdi is still struggling with discomfort. This list also includes the absence of Exequiel Palacios in midfield, who will have to undergo surgery and will only return at the beginning of 2026.
Meanwhile, Scaloni is analyzing possible alternatives. The last defensive roster included names such as Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Marcos Acuña, and Gonzalo Montiel. Now, the coach is considering the possibility of adding new faces like Agustín Giay (Palmeiras) and Lautaro Rivero (River), with a view to expanding the options ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina will play on Friday, October 10 against Venezuela in Miami and on Monday, October 13 against Puerto Rico in Chicago. The team will then close out the year with a tour in Africa (vs. Angola in Luanda) and Asia (vs. India in Kerala) between November 10 and 18, before the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 in Washington DC.
