Argentina defender Cristian Romero has aggravated a knee injury which is likely to see him miss his country’s final group stage game at the World Cup.
The Tottenham centre-back has been suffering a knee issue for two months, missing the last six Premier League games of the season.
However, the 28-year-old was deemed fit enough to head to the World Cup with Argentina and start the first two games of the competition.
Romero played 80 minutes of the 3-0 win over Algeria but only last 57 minutes on Monday in the 2-0 victory over Austria.
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The Spurs defender was replaced by veteran former Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, who is still competing at the top level at 38-years-old.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni confirmed that it was injury that saw him take Romero off, but it was not a new problem that he picked up.
‘We don’t know the extent of Cuti Romero’s issue; it’s something he’s been dealing with for a while now,’ said Scaloni. ‘We hope it’s nothing serious.
‘Not only because he’s important, even though he can be replaced, but it’s always important to have everyone available. He’ll undergo tests tomorrow or the day after.’
With two victories from two games and their final group game against Jordan, it is unlikely Romero will be risked in the next outing on Sunday.
The combative defender will most likely be rested and will hope to return in time for the round of 32, if the knee issue has not been significantly worsened.
The fitness headache for Romero was one negative on another good day for Argentina as Lionel Messi scored both goals against Austria.
The 38-year-old has scored all of his country’s goals in the tournament so far after netting a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Whether the veteran will be rested against Jordan or not is yet to be seen, after Messi set the record for most goals ever scored in World Cups.
The Inter Miami forward came into the match level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals and has forged clear at the top of that list.
Speaking after his latest two goals – which were his 121st and 122nd for his country – Messi said: ‘I’m very happy about the victory above all. It was crucial, tough and hard-fought, it gives us peace of mind for what’s ahead
‘The important thing is the qualification, winning all the matches is always in our plans.
‘This whole group lives this with a lot of happiness. When we get together, we enjoy being together, competing, training, the day-to-day, and seeing the people like this.’