Argentina star ruled out World Cup and Tottenham transfer target could replace him
Argentina have been hit by a major injury blow days before the World Cup begins.
The current world champions are looking to go back-to-back at the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
However, 11 days ahead of their opening match they have been forced into a change of personnel.
What has happened to Leonardo Balerdi?
Centre-back Leonardo Balerdi had been called up for his first World Cup after captaining Marseille this season.
The 27-year-old, though, suffered an injury in a training session that will now rule him out of the tournament.
A translated statement on Argentina’s social media said: “Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be able to be part of the squad that will play the World Cup.
“Chin up, strength, and a speedy recovery, Flaco!”
Balerdi played in seven of Argentina’s 12 qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament.
Three of those were starts while he also started an October friendly with Puerto Rico.
Domestically, he made 21 starts and five substitute appearances for Marseille in Ligue 1.
He also had five starts in the Champions League in his sixth season with the club.
He was due to wear the No.2 at the 2026 World Cup.
Who will replace Leonardo Balerdi?
Currently, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, and Facundo Medina are potential centre-back options.
However, German Pezzella, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Kevin Mac Allister, Zaid Romero, and Lautaro Di Lollo were named in the preliminary squad.
That’s along with Marco Senesi who may well be the favourite to get the nod.
A brilliant four-year spell with Bournemouth saw him leave the club a hero.
And the 29-year-old is set to join Tottenham Hotspur upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
He has three caps, though all have come in friendlies.
Senesi’s first was in 2022 against Estonia as a substitute before starts against Venezuela and Mauritania in the last 12 months.
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