Franco Armani, goalkeeper for River Plate, faced a tough start to 2026 as he sustained a tear in his left calf early in January, which prevented him from participating in preseason training with the team. Compounding the issue is a painful inflammation in his Achilles tendon that has been troubling him since before the tournament began. To address these concerns, Armani consulted a specialist and decided to commence a stem cell treatment aimed at expediting his recovery, although he is still anticipated to be sidelined for approximately a month.

To initiate this treatment, Armani made a short trip to Rosario with permission from the River Plate club, where he was treated with a localized procedure targeting his right Achilles tendon. This particular approach involved an injection of stem cells, which aims to gradually alleviate the pain he has been experiencing and help him regain his regular playing form in the goal. The injury has posed significant challenges for the 39-year-old, as it has affected his training and on-field performance since the season kicked off.

Looking ahead, Armani will focus on strengthening his calf and knee in the gym during his recovery period, ensuring he can return to playing condition as swiftly as possible. The team's reliance on him as a key player puts more pressure on a successful and speedy rehabilitation. As injuries can impact a team's performance, River Plate will be keen on tracking his recovery closely, hoping that he can return to contribute effectively in the coming matches.