World Cup 2014 final - Germany vs Argentina team news: Angel Di Maria extremely doubtful for final after further injury setback

Midfielder was in line for shock return to line up before latest injury

Charles Reynolds
Sunday 13 July 2014 10:41 EDT
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Angel Di Maria celebrates his winner against Switzerland
Angel Di Maria celebrates his winner against Switzerland (EPA)

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Angel Di Maria's mooted shock return to Argentina's starting line-up looks like being put on hold after the midfielder pulled out of training with a new injury setback.

The Albiceleste were rumoured to be considering the risky option of starting Di Maria in tonight's final, but that now seems unlikely given he appears to have pulled up with a thigh injury.

Given his importance to the side, it is not surprising that manager Alejandro Sabella is keen to try and use the midfielder in the biggest game of his career so far.

Di Maria has been undergoing intensive treatment on the previous injury he sustained in Argentina's quarter-final win over Belgium, and seemed to be doing well, coming through fitness tests on Saturday, so pulling up in training is a blow to his country's hopes.

Sabella said: "We will see on Di Maria. We have special things planned for him. We will see. I'll have a better idea after we've trained."

If Di Maria is not fit then it is believed that Enzo Perez will keep his place in the side.

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