The current health, or lack thereof, of a number of starters for the Selección (Heinze, Saviola, Mascherano, Zanetti, Riquelme) is a painful reminder of the run-up to Japorea, when almost every starter was coming off an injury in the months just prior to the tournament. Hopefully things turn around over the next few months, but this can not be a good sign...
Mascherano Out Until 2006!!! Defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano, 21, will undergo surgery on a complex hairline fracture in his left navicular. This bone – together with the lateral and intermediate cuneiforms – composes the centre of the foot that links the metatarsals (toes) to the heel and ankle structure. The operation and post-op physiotherapy will keep the Argentinean in dry dock until next year. Corinthians: Shock - Mascherano Out Until 2006
Jesus, this team is starting to look like a MASH unit. I guess the one positive about all of these injuries is thank god they're all happening now, versus let's say April or May of next year. If that were the case, Pekerman would have to make some serious roster changes.
With Heinze gone, I hope Pekerman gives Gonzalo Rodriguez a shot. Is he healthy? Losing Mascherano will hurt the most. I hope Pekerman doesn't insist with Cambiasso in his place. I'd rather see Battaglia or Demichelis, or even Coloccini. Who knows, maybe if these guys recover by early 06, they will be fresh and at the top of their game by June. Other than Zanetti these are all young players and hopefully they will recover fast. Let us hope.
This is bad, real bad, I hope Mascherano can come back and be the same player he was after such a serious injury. Heinze is a huge loss as well. Pekermann now has a lot of work ahead because I seriuosly doubt that some of these recoveies will be made in time for ull fitness and readiness for the Copa in germany!! I hope there is no time wasted and the experimenting commences right away so a team can be set in stone four or five months from now!!
Heinze is a huge loss! The other players will most likely recover with time to spare (god willing). If they can't, however, I hope we learn from our lesson in '02 - only healthy players should play.
I think Cambiasso is a great MF player. I don't think he should be the sole DM, however. If you see how the position he plays at Inter, you can see how effective he can be. However, he has to play with support behind him and as a doble-cinco/doble pivot.
I think now is the time to recall Veron, use Rodriguez and maybe not get so hung up on age. I mean what is wrong with experience???? Simoene still has the fire as does Gallardo and Cruz. Pekermann should think about next summer only , we have plenty of talent to hone for the future so this means that maybe raw talent should still make way for experience. I know Brazil would not be the same without Carlos and Caffu.
Hey X, What about giving Micho a chance as the #5 if Jefecito doesn't recuperate in time? The guy is turning out to be stud at Bayern. He scored the only goal today for Bayern's victory. I thought he was still out injured, but it looks like he's recovered.
Personaly I would like to see a healthy mix of players from all kinds of leagues. In 2002 we had to many players that were "infected" with the bug of the ultra tactical Italian league. We obviuosly need to take players that have bonded with the team and are healthy and match ready. I think last time we were lacking an element of surprise among many other problems. Using some players from the Argentine league and mixing with various European leagues is the way to go... we need to get back our attitude and our way to play the game... otherwise we may as well wear the Spanish or Italian jersey.
It is realy bad that most of our players are injured now,but it has atleast happend before the worldcup, w have atleast 8-9 months, so all of them can be match fit for the cup. But with the last 2 qualifiers schduled in october, it will be very dicy decsision for Pekerman. But i think this time he will be forced to choose some good players playing in the apertura. I think Pekerman must give chance to the following players 1.Barobosa(Looked good for Villareal) 2.Pato 3.Lux 4.Samuel 5.Milito 6.G.Rodriguez 7.Ayala 8.Sorin 9.DeMechilles 10.Aimar 11.Cambiasso 12.Veron 13.Riquelme (if he is fit) 14.Lucho 15.Rosales 16.Messi 17.Crespo 18.Aguerio 19.Tevez 20.Cavenghi 21.Bilos 22.D.Milito 23.L.Castroman i hope this team gets picked up, with lot of talent from apetura get to play it will good for pekerman to test these talents. wat u peple think abt these times
Very good. Bilos, Aguero, and I would add Palacio should definatly be called up. I haven't seen Cavenaghi since he left CARP...
I just hope they won't replace Heinze by Samuel! Then we are in for bad defense and fouls at very dangerous places!.. Coloccini is a must, though, imho. Mariano
I have no doubt that Pekerman will call Coloccini. The question is whether he will be willing to use him as a DM, if Mascherano is not available, instead of insisting with Cambiasso. Cambiasso is fine for a formation with two 5's, but he's proven that he cannot be the main DM.
This really sucks.But then again it could be a good thing especially for the #5 position where there more players need to be tested.Does Zanetti actually have back up?Another thing what does 'Jefecito' mean?