### Injury Update: Nicolás Otamendi, Benfica
Nicolás Otamendi has been sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during the Copa América qualifiers against Ecuador in June. The Argentina international midfielder was forced to miss crucial matches and training sessions leading up to his national team's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on July 11.
The Argentinean defender had already missed several games due to similar issues, including the Copa América itself where he played only one match before being substituted after just two minutes because of the hamstring problem. This time around, however, it appears more severe, with reports suggesting that the injury may require surgery.
Otamendi’s absence is particularly noticeable given his experience and leadership role within the squad. He has been one of the backbone players for Argentina since joining the national side in 2018, contributing significantly to their defense. His absence could impact the team’s defensive strategies and decision-making, especially as they prepare for upcoming tournaments such as the Copa America Centenario and potentially the FIFA World Cup.
Benfica, the Portuguese club where Otamendi plays, has also expressed concern about the player's recovery progress. Despite the setback, there have been hopes that he will return to form quickly, which would be beneficial not only for himself but also for the team he represents.
As the Argentinean defender continues his rehabilitation process, fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting updates on his progress. With the current international season winding down, this injury update highlights the importance of maintaining peak physical condition among top-tier soccer players like Otamendi.
It remains to be seen how long the injury will keep him out of action, but for now, the focus remains on ensuring his full recovery so that he can contribute effectively to both his club and country once again.