Argentina’s Copa América preparations have been disrupted by a significant injury to key midfielder Lucas Biglia. The Lazio player, a likely starter for La Albiceleste, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury sustained in training. In response, Argentina has called upon Tigres UANL midfielder Guido Pizarro as his replacement.
Biglia’s injury occurred during a training session in Santa Clara when he felt discomfort. Medical tests confirmed a grade two hamstring tear, sidelining him for the entirety of the Copa América. This is a blow for Argentina manager Gerardo Martino, who was counting on Biglia’s experience and stability in midfield.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Érik Lamela also experienced a knock in the same training session, suffering an ankle issue. While Lamela is expected to recover in time for the tournament, he joins a list of players, including Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi, who are carrying injuries into the competition.
Guido Pizarro in action for Tigres UANL during a Liga MX match. The Argentine midfielder has been called up to the Argentina national team for Copa América.
While Pastore and Lavezzi are anticipated to recover, Biglia’s absence necessitated a replacement, leading to the call-up of Guido Pizarro. Pizarro, who plays his club football for Tigres in Liga MX, has been a consistent performer since his move from Lanús in 2013.
The 26-year-old midfielder, although uncapped for Argentina at the senior level, was considered a promising talent during his time with Lanús. His inclusion in Martino’s preliminary squad was a surprise to some, but Biglia’s injury has now presented him with a major opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage.
Pizarro is a versatile midfielder, comfortable in a holding role, but also possesses the dynamism to operate as a box-to-box player. Known for his driving runs from deep and tactical awareness, this Copa América in the United States could be the platform Pizarro needs to attract interest from European clubs, fulfilling the potential that was evident in his early career.
Argentina will be hoping that Pizarro can seamlessly integrate into the squad and provide the necessary midfield presence as they aim for Copa América success.
