Julián Álvarez

Alvarez (ankle) has a strong chance of completing his recovery ahead of the World Cup opener versus Algeria, with coach Lionel Scaloni saying "I don't think any of them will have any problems being there.", Telemundo Deportes reports.

Analysis: Alvarez is aiming to be fit enough to start in the World Cup group stage, and in that case he'll be expected to have an edge over Lautaro Martinez in the race for the center-forward spot. After returning to training and receiving plasma treatment to accelerate his rehabilitation over the last few days, the Atletico Madrid player is now one of his country's main goal-scoring threats ahead of the international tournament. He previously enjoyed a productive club campaign, notching 18 goals and eight assists over 44 matches played considering La Liga and European action.

Jun 4, 2026

Receives plasma treatment

Alvarez will receive plasma treatment to aid his ankle recovery, with the Argentina coaching staff growing increasingly optimistic about his availability for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to Hernan Castillo.

Analysis: Alvarez had been confirmed in full training earlier in the week after completing his recovery from an ankle sprain, and the plasma treatment is designed to accelerate the final stages of his rehabilitation rather than address any serious ongoing concern. The striker ended a superb club campaign with 18 goals and eight assists across 44 appearances for Atletico and will be expected to carry a significant portion of Argentina's attacking threat alongside Lautaro Martinez when the tournament gets underway.

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