Argentina's Angel Di Maria out of semi-final but better news on Sergio Aguero

Posted Monday, July 07, 2014 by skysports.com

Angel Di Maria celebrates his match-winner against Switzerland but now misses the semi-final because of injury

Angel Di Maria will miss Argentina's semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday after hobbling out of their match with Belgium over the weekend.

But there was better news for the South American nation in the shape of Sergio Aguero who has recovered from a muscle strain and is available to play in Sao Paulo.

Aguero looked comfortable during training on Sunday, while Di Maria was absent undergoing intensive treatment.

Team doctor Daniel Martinez said: "Angel has a Grade One strain. Of course he won't play in Argentina's next game.

"After that, we'll evaluate the situation day-by-day but Sergio has practiced three times. He's ready to play."

Speaking ahead of the game, midfielder Javier Mascherano said: "The group as a whole is very happy, except for the situation with Angel, which is a great shame. We hope he recovers soon.

"Against Belgium, we used the spaces better. We didn't rush. We waited for the right moment to pass.

"It was a lovely game but it was yesterday. Now we're focused on Holland. We know they are still smarting from defeat in South Africa four years ago.”