Barrett brothers Beauden and Scott are both set to be fit for the clash in Cordoba, however, injuries elsewhere may result in a Test debut for Chiefs back-rower Simon Parker.
Speaking to the media on Monday evening, Robertson confirmed that Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams are the only two All Blacks players who travelled with the squad to Argentina who will be unavailable for the fixture.
Prop Tyrel Lomax, flanker Luke Jacobson, winger Caleb Clarke, and halfbacks Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham all remained in New Zealand to rehab their respective injuries.
“Wallace (Sititi) is still not available for the first Test and Tamaiti Williams has still got another week of full training with us before he becomes available for the second Test as well,” Robertson confirmed.
Captain Scott Barrett missed the second and third Test match against France in July after sustaining a calf injury in the opening match while playmaker Beauden broke his hand against Les Bleus.
On the Barrett brothers, the All Blacks’ boss added: “They’re great. Beauden’s hand is fine and Scooter’s leg is all good.
“He’s rehabbed really well, and he’s taken the chance to recondition. He’s in great condition.”
With Sititi out of the mix for the first Test against Los Pumas, it opens the door for a potential debut for shock call-up Parker.
Robertson has confirmed that the Chiefs back-rower was one of three late arrivals in Argentina, having played in the NPC this past weekend, who are available for selection this week.
“The boys off the plane who played NPC, Simon Parker, Peter Lakai, and Josh Lord, made it pretty well. They travelled with us today and they were great.”
On Parker, he added: “He’s ready to roll. He has slotted straight in.
“He talked to the team about what it meant for him to be here, what’s inspired him, and how he’s got here.
“It was a nice moment for him. It’s All Black tradition, when someone arrives and is named into the squad. It was a great moment for us to get him into the group and be part of the All Blacks.”
