Martinez named in Argentina squad
Lisandro Martinez has been named in Argentina's squad for the 2022 World Cup finals.
The Manchester United defender has been a revelation since arriving in the summer from Ajax and quickly endeared himself to the club's supporters with his whole-hearted approach and excellent passing range.
It comes as no great surprise that he is in coach Lionel Scaloni's 26-man group for the big tournament in Qatar, and he will link up with his international colleagues after Sunday's Premier League contest at Fulham.
Martinez came on as a late substitute in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night and will be in contention to return to the starting line-up at Craven Cottage, as the Reds seek to end this part of the season on a high in the capital.
Unfortunately, this tournament came too soon for 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, who has represented the Albiceleste at Under-20 level.
Argentina are one of the favourites to lift the trophy, bidding to repeat their success in 1978 and 1986.
ARGENTNA SQUAD
Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Franco Armani; Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guido Rodriguez, Alejandro Gomez, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios; Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Joaquin Correa, Paulo Dybala, Lionel Messi.
GROUP FIXTURES
Tue 22 Nov: Argentina v Saudi Arabia (10:00 GMT)
Sat 26 Nov: Argentina v Mexico (19:00 GMT)
Wed 30 Nov: Poland v Argentina (19:00 GMT)