After being denied it due to injury in March, Alejandro Garnacho made his Argentina senior debut in June, coming off the bench against firstly Australia and then Indonesia.
The world champions actually commence their qualification question for the 2026 World Cup with matches against Ecuador and Bolivia this month. Manchester United star Garnacho will be eyeing a potential first start for his country, particularly against the latter.
The 19-year-old is well-versed in pressure situations after last years breakthrough season but the expectations of needing to perform from the start in one of the best national teams on the planet is another significant challenge. Erik ten Hag wants Garnacho to push for starts at United and a good stint with Argentina will bode well.
Onanas crunch match
Andre Onana has returned to Cameroon duty after making a U-turn last month in a bid to help his nation qualify for Januarys Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions only need to avoid defeat against Burundi on Tuesday, ranked 140th in the world, to make the finals.
Doing so will mean Onana would miss a handful of United matches upon his anticipated tournament squad selection and possibly as many as four Premier League games, not including potential FA Cup and League Cup ties, if Cameroon make the final.
It is why Ten Hag was so keen to get a good back-up goalkeeper through the doors, Altay Bayindir due to deputise in Onanas expected absence. Bayindir has been called up to Turkeys squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, although his last cap came almost a year ago.
Martinezs condition
Lisandro Martinez has still travelled to meet up with the Argentina squad despite being taken off with a knock in Sundays clash with Arsenal following a hefty challenge on Eddie Nketiah. It suggests there is no long term damage, albeit the Argentina medical staff will carry out checks.
Martinez is unlikely to start both games for his country, which is all the better for Ten Hag. Within the minutes he will get, the United boss will be looking to see how well Martinez is holding up.
Hojlunds full return
Rasmus Hojlund finally made his debut for United on Sunday after a number of weeks on the sidelines with a stress fracture of the back. He has insisted he felt no pain during his recovery and is fully focused on going full throttle from now on.
He has joined up with Denmark for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Finland, whom he scored a hat-trick against back in March. As with Martinez, Ten Hag will be looking to see how Hojlund is faring, especially if he is handed a start.
Sharpness of fringe players
Ten Hag has always underlined he needs a squad, not just a team, but that inevitably means there are fringe players.
Scott McTominay has played just seven minutes so far, Harry Maguire got his first kicks when replacing Martinez at the Emirates and Tunisia&aposs Hannibal Mejbri has only made the bench once. Uruguayan talent Facundo Pellistri has only played 18 minutes himself.
All may be called upon at points in the season and will be required to be sharp from the off. Ten Hag will be able to discern who is still able to crack the whip despite little game time under their belt this week.
