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Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of the World Cup semi-final match against the Netherlands in Sao Paulo on Wednesday due to a thigh strain caused during their 1-0 victory over Belgium.
The Real Madrid winger has been a crucial part of coach Alejandro Sabella’s plans this tournament and will be sorely missed by the team. He left the field mid-way through the Belgium game and was replaced by Enzo Perez.
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Team doctor Daniel Martinez said “Angel has a grade one injury. Of course he won’t play in Argentina’s next game. After that, we’ll evaluate the situation day-by-day,”
But the good news for the team is that forward Sergio Aguero, who was earlier ruled out of the World Cup by a muscle injury, has returned to training and may feature in the semi-final.
“Sergio has practiced three times. He’s ready to play,” added Martinez.
The absence of their most creative player behind Lionel Messi would be felt but the return to form of Gonzalo Higuain, whose instinctive strike against Belgium sent the team through, should give them hope.
The South American giants have 2 World Cups and will feature in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990.
