Scaloni announces Argentina XI for WC qualifier against Chile

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Cristian Romero will be handed debuts for Argentina as coach  Lionel Scaloni confirmed La Albiceleste's starting eleven for their World Cup qualifier against Chile on Friday. 

The starting eleven has been confirmed by the coach during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Goalkeeper Emiliano has had a fantastic season in the premier league for Aston Villa and has been included in the starting eleven by Scaloni. Scaloni also talked about some of the young players that will be in the starting XI, such as Romero and Juan Foyth. 

"We decided based on what we saw in the practices. In the case of Cristian Romero, he had a great season. It is time for him to play and to show what he can do. Obviously, it is his first game, but he has all our confidence. 

"Juan Foyth has improved a lot, both defensively and offensively. He is a player who gives us different ways to defend, he is interesting, and we trust him," said Scaloni ahead of the game against Chile.

Scaloni also mentioned that River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel and goalkeeper Franco Armani will not be traveling with the team since both players returned positive in their PCR tests. 

Legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona passed away last November and Argentina are set to play their first match since his death. In the match against Chile, Lionel Messi's troops will be donning a special T-shirt with Maradona's picture remembering the great footballer.

Argentina Playing XI: Emiliano Martínez, Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, Martínez Quarta, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Ocampos, De Paul, Lionel Messi, Di María and Lautaro Martinez