Argentina have suffered a setback ahead of their World Cup campaign after defender Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed on Saturday that the Marseille centre-back has sustained a muscle injury in his right leg, ending his hopes of featuring at the World Cup for the reigning champions.
In a statement shared on social media, the federation wished the 27-year-old a speedy recovery after confirming he would be unavailable for the tournament.
The news comes as a major disappointment for Balerdi, who had been hoping to make his World Cup debut.
Just a day earlier, he posted a photo of himself training with the Argentina squad in Kansas City as preparations continued for the competition.
Argentina have yet to announce whether a replacement will be called up to Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
The world champions will continue their preparations with a warm-up match against Honduras in College Station, Texas, later on Saturday before turning their attention to their opening World Cup fixture.
Argentina begin their title defence on 17 June when they face Algeria in Kansas City.
