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Chelsea fans should not panic on Emi Martinez’s substitution for Argentina

Emi Martinez being substituted against Burkina Faso sparked injury fears, but Argentina's full XI change tells a different story

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 9:00 PM
Chelsea fans should not panic on Emi Martinez’s substitution for Argentina
Key Things to Know
  • The Pride of London argues Chelsea fans should not panic over Emi Martinez's substitution for Argentina.
  • Martinez was replaced by Geronimo Rulli in the 78th minute of Argentina's 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso.
  • Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni replaced all 11 starting players during the friendly as part of planned rotation.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer James Fudge argues Chelsea supporters should not worry about Emi Martinez being substituted during Argentina's 7-0 friendly victory against Burkina Faso. While rumors circulated regarding a fractured finger, Martinez's 78th-minute withdrawal for Geronimo Rulli was part of Lionel Scaloni rotating all 11 starting players.

The article notes that Argentina routinely manages squad minutes during comfortable friendlies against lower-ranked teams. The writer maintains that linking routine planned substitutions to prior injury speculation is unnecessary alarm, noting that Martinez is expected to feature in Lionel Messi's upcoming farewell match.

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