Angel di Maria hands Argentina major boost for Copa America final against Chile

Angel di Maria has made a full recovery from an abductor injury in time for Argentina’s Copa America final date with Chile on Sunday night.

The PSG midfielder has been absent since the group stage and it was initially feared that he would miss the entire tournament.

But Argentine coach Tata Martino has revealed that the 28-year-old was available for the 4-0 semi-final win over USA and he is expected to start in the final in New Jersey.

Angel di Maria has made a full recovery from an abductor injury in time for Argentina’s Copa America final

The PSG midfielder has been absent since the group stage and it was feared he would miss the tournament

Speaking after Tuesday night’s win Martino said: ‘From a physical point of view, Angel is ahead of Nico [Gaitan].

‘He was ready for [Tuesday’s semi-final against USA], and Nico had a more recent muscular problem and I don’t know if he will have chances of being fully recovered for Sunday.’

Sunday’s match sees a repeat of the final in last year’s competition, with Chile overcoming Argentina 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw in Santiago.

With Argentina approaching their third final in successive years – after losing the World Cup to Germany in 2014 – Martino is determined to improve his country’s record.  

‘We have to elaborate better and make better pressure. We certainly did it during the whole match [against USA] but in front of us weren’t Chile or Germany.’ 

Tata Martino has revealed that the 28-year-old was available for the 4-0 semi-final win over USA

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