Argentina’s No.1 goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez completed his first full‑glove training session on Thursday, confirming he’s back from a fractured ring‑finger suffered on May 20 during Aston Villa’s Europa League warm‑up. The 33‑year‑old wore a splint and trained with a single glove during recovery, then returned to work with both hands intact.

Martínez missed Argentina’s preparatory victories over Honduras and Iceland, but coach Lionel Scaloni has named him starter for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. The keeper helped Villa finish fourth in the Premier League and earned a place in the Europa League Team of the Season, underscoring his form heading into the tournament.

The Argentine shot‑stopper was voted the tournament’s best goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup and claimed the Golden Glove after leading his nation to the 2024 Copa América title. With his fitness confirmed, Martínez provides Argentina a proven elite presence between the posts, a factor that could tip tight Group J encounters in their favour.

Fans in Buenos Aires will watch Martínez aim to replicate his 2022 heroics, while opponents will study his distribution and command of the box. His return eliminates a lingering doubt for Argentina’s defence, allowing Scaloni to focus on attacking options as the team seeks a second consecutive World Cup final.