Argentina’s careful management of Emiliano Martínez’s finger injury appears to have paid off. However, the Aston Villa goalkeeper is still being given opportunities to build rhythm after his return.
Martínez has already worked his way back from the fractured ring finger suffered around Aston Villa’s Europa League final triumph. He returned in time for Argentina’s World Cup opener and has since put the injury behind him. But his workload is still being managed with the bigger picture in mind.
Now, Argentine newspaper Olé reports that manager Lionel Scaloni is expected to keep the Aston Villa goalkeeper in his starting line-up against Jordan. This is likely even though several other regular starters are likely to be rested.
More minutes after injury comeback
According to Olé, Martínez is one of the few first-choice players expected to start. This is because he still needs competitive minutes after arriving at the World Cup only just recovered from his hand injury.
The report explains that giving him another match is viewed as a way of rebuilding rhythm and continuing his physical progression following the fracture to the ring finger on his right hand.
That represents another sign that Argentina’s coaching staff remain focused on managing his recovery carefully, despite the goalkeeper already returning to competitive action.
Martínez: “My finger is perfect”
There is further encouragement for Aston Villa in Martínez’s own assessment of his condition. Speaking to Ole after Argentina’s victory over Austria, the goalkeeper dismissed any lingering concerns.
“The finger is perfect”, he said.
The newspaper explains that the fracture has now fully healed, with the bone continuing to strengthen over recent weeks.
Swelling has subsided. The decision to avoid surgery – combined with specialist rehabilitation work alongside Argentina physiotherapist Pablo Capuchetti – has allowed Martínez to steadily increase his workload ahead of the knockout stages.
Record also within reach
While fitness remains the immediate priority, Martínez also has another milestone on the horizon.
He currently has 43 clean sheets for Argentina and sits only four behind Sergio Romero’s all-time national team record of 47.
The comparison becomes even more striking considering Martínez has reached that total in just 61 international appearances. Romero needed 96 matches to establish the current record.
