Guido Rodríguez tested positive for COVID-19 before leaving with the Argentine team and will not be able to be in the game with his country in the two appointments for which he was summoned. This was announced by the AFA: “The player Guido Rodríguez tested positive for covid 19 in the tests prior to the trip carried out in Europe and will be absent for the double qualifying date.” In this way, questions are raised as to whether he will be able to be present in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash against Real Sociedad, which takes place on Thursday, February 3. Everything will depend on having negative tests before that duel.
Guido’s importance is colossal for Pellegrini, who had a big problem in his midfield ahead of this Copa del Rey match. The Argentine is a fixture as a pivot and his natural substitute, Paul, is still out due to injury. Another of the pieces that offers certain guarantees in the midfield is Guardado, but the Mexican will meet the Mexican team and the third of his commitments, that same day, makes any hope that he will be in San Sebastián impossible. For this reason, the way that Guido is finally part of the game opens up some hope in Manuel Pellegrini.
LaLiga Santander
*Data updated as of January 24, 2022
The Chilean coach has more variants on the table, but they are far from the reliability that Guido gives him. For this reason, the club had already mobilized to try to get both Pezzella and the midfielder back expressly. The center-back will travel with his team for those two games and it is more difficult for him to be part of the squad that faces this important cup duel against Real Sociedad.