Atlético Trio Absent from Argentina's Clash with Angola
Three Atlético Madrid players will miss Argentina's friendly match in Angola after failing to complete their yellow fever vaccination requirements on time. The Argentine Football Association announced that Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, and Giuliano Simeone cannot travel with the national team for the match scheduled in two days.
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease found in parts of Africa and South America. Countries like Angola require travelers to get vaccinated before entry to prevent the spread of infection. The vaccination typically needs to be administered at least 10 days before travel to be effective.
The Argentine Football Association said in a statement that the players "did not complete the health procedures related to the yellow fever vaccine in time, which is required for entry into Angola." This leaves coach Lionel Scaloni without three key squad members for what was meant to be preparation ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
For Atlético Madrid, this situation highlights the complex logistics involved when players travel between different continents for international duty. The Spanish club will likely welcome having their players available for domestic commitments, but the missed opportunity for international experience could impact the players' standing with the national team.
Argentina's medical staff and team management will need to reassess their squad options for the Angola friendly. The incident also serves as a reminder of the health protocols that govern international travel, particularly to regions where specific vaccinations are mandatory rather than recommended.
Sara Khaled