Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has admitted he is being more cautious with his fitness, in order to not risk any injuries ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Unlike in the past, the upcoming FIFA tournament will take place in the middle of the season. The 30-year-old, who made his debut for Argentina in June 2021, stands in line to play his first World Cup later this year.
The Aston Villa keeper is currently with the national team, preparing for their friendly tie against Honduras later today. This will be the last break for Argentina prior to the big event in Qatar.
Steven Gerrard’s side will play nine matches before the World Cup kicks off on November 20th. Argentine newspaper Clarín had an opportunity to sit down with the ex-Arsenal man and he talked about the importance of taking care of his body, in order to play at his first World Cup.
“When we return from this tour, the month of October is left and nothing else,” Martínez said.
“I was just talking about it with my brother, that in October we have nine or ten games with Aston Villa between now and the World Cup, which are going to go by very quickly. That is why we are enjoying this tour with the boys because it is the last one.
“I said that this year I was going to prepare like I never prepared in my life, but when you play so many games it’s more about recovery and the fear of not getting injured. There is no time for anything now.
“Now someone gets injured for four to six weeks and is already half a foot out of the World Cup.
“It is normal for the player to be afraid. I am taking care of myself more than ever. I try not to touch bread. I win a game and I want to have a cola and I don’t. These are things that I am changing to have the lowest possible risk of injury.”
Aston Villa have seen a few of their fixtures get changed and Martínez is not pleased with it, he just wants to get through the period between now and the World Cup with as little danger as possible.
