Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni can feel optimistic about having Angel Di Maria fit and ready for Friday's World Cup 2022 quarter-final with the Netherlands at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

The Juventus winger did not take part in their last-16 win over Australia due to a quadriceps issue, but he has returned to training with the group and should be fine to feature.

Di Maria's comeback is all the more timely after Papu Gomez sprained his ankle against the Socceroos at the weekend, so the former should be a straight swap for his fellow veteran up front.

Argentina were indebted to Emiliano Martinez for a late save from Garang Kuol on Saturday, and the Aston Villa number one will expect to be protected by Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi once more - controversially leaving Lisandro Martinez on the bench again.

Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Tagliafico were tested in the full-back spots during training earlier this week, but Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna should begin the match in the backline regardless.

Enzo Fernandez had an unfortunate own goal next to his name against Australia, but the Benfica starlet otherwise produced a lively midfield performance and should join Rodrigo de Paul - fine after a muscular scare - once again.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister will likely be given the nod if Scaloni opts for another 4-3-3, and both Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi are out to achieve personal feats in the final third.

Alvarez could become the youngest man in 52 years to score in each of his first three World Cup starts, while Messi - who scored his maiden World Cup knockout goal at the weekend - could equal Gabriel Batistuta's long-standing record of 10 World Cup strikes for Argentina.

Argentina possible starting lineup: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez

> Click here to see how the Netherlands could line up for the quarter-final

Written by
Ben Knapton