Angel di Maria ruled out of semifinal with thigh injury

Argentina will be without winger Angel di Maria Wednesday against the Netherlands, as the Real Madrid star has been ruled out of the semifinal contest with a thigh injury.

Per ESPN FC, team doctor Daniel Martinez said tests showed Di Maria suffered a "first-degree" strain in the 1-0 victory over Belgium last week - an injury that forced him to limp out of the match in the 33rd minute.

The news comes as a significant blow to manager Alejandro Sabella, as Di Maria had been the one player aside from Lionel Messi that looked capable of carrying the Albiceleste attack.

The players are well aware of just how influential the sinewy wide man is to their tournament aspirations.

"He's a key player in this project," striker Gonzalo Higuain said of his compatriot.

While his absence will be felt on Wednesday, Sabella will be buoyed by the fact that the 26-year-old has not been ruled out of the tournament. There were initial reports that Di Maria would not take part in any further action even if Argentina were able to overcome the Dutch and reach the final. 

Of course, Argentina have to get their first, but the potential of getting a player of his quality back in time for the final would be a huge boost.