Argentina's Romero steps up recovery but set to miss Jordan clash

The centre back is recovering from the knee injury suffered against Austria

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Austria - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, US - June 22, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero celebrate after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jerome Miron

Argentina defender Cristian Romero has progressed in his recovery by adding on-field training, the Argentine federation (AFA) said on Friday, after he was forced off with a knee injury in their 2-0 World Cup Group J win over Austria on Monday.

● Romero had previously been limited to individual gym work carried out with the team's physiotherapists.

● He is likely to miss their final group match against Jordan on Saturday, with veteran Nicolas Otamendi expected to step in.

● Romero left the Austria match in the 57th minute.

● The 28-year-old had recently recovered from a knee injury sustained in April.

● Argentina held their final practice ahead of the Jordan match on Friday in Kansas City, and Romero did not take part in the 15 minutes open to the media.

● The squad began with a video session to review Jordan before moving to the gym and then the pitch.

● Coach Lionel Scaloni oversaw tactical drills while his assistants led set-piece work focusing on free kicks and corners.