Manchester United have two Argentina players at the Copa America. Through two games, only one has played.
Lisandro Martinez has recovered from his injury problems to re-establish himself as a regular starter for his country.
Alejandro Garnacho has not had a kick so far. The Puskas Award contender Manchester United teenager has been an unused substitute in both their opening games.
Argentina have beaten Canada 1-0 and Chile 1-0 to begin the tournament and secure their place in the knockout stages.
Lionel Scaloni on Alejandro Garnacho
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was asked about Alejandro Garnacho during his post-game press conference.
He cited the array of quality options he has at his disposal, with Angel di Maria and Lautaro Martinez among the substitutes.
Scaloni told BolaVIP: “I need to put him in, someone else has to come out. It is very easy for you, but it is not easy for me to make that decision. Di María was on the bench.”
He added that he would like to be able to give the Manchester United wonderkid the opportunity when the time is right.
“We would love for him to play because he is a boy who gives us a very good freshness, but when you make the game plan he has the intention that maybe he can come in and then the game changes.
“He still hasn’t had the opportunity but we hope to give it to him and that he can take advantage of it.”
Scaloni added that when Garnacho does get his chance, he hopes that he will provide him with a further selection dilemma, commenting: “If he does it well he makes it difficult for both the coach and his teammate.”
Garnacho could play against Peru
Argentina have now qualified for the knockout rounds with a game to spare, giving Scaloni a chance to rotate, if he chooses, in their final group game against Peru, who have one point.
Asked if this means FA Youth Cup winner and FA Cup winner Garnacho will get a chance, he did not deny it, without giving too much away.
Scaloni said: “It is possible that Garnacho and [Valentin] Carboni will play. Let’s see why there are more than 10 players on the bench. Don’t look at what the team is going to be like, but the logical thing would be that they have minutes because they are guys who can contribute to us.
“The boys who didn’t play these games are going to play because I need to see them and they deserve them.”
It has not been a bad thing for Garnacho to take this role, after a long season for Manchester United. A little rest, and an impact role, is better than him shouldering the burden as a starter. He has plenty of years ahead to do so.