Overview
- The Argentine Football Association confirmed that centre-back Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup with a soleus muscle injury sustained in training.
- Lionel Scaloni said the staff will assess players during the remaining friendly fixtures and make a decision imminently, with a replacement expected to join the squad before the tournament starts.
- Emiliano Buendía, who was omitted from the initial 26, has been asked to delay his holiday and remains on standby after a strong season for Aston Villa that included 11 goals and nine assists.
- Media reports name several candidates under consideration, with Guido Rodríguez reported as an early frontrunner and other names linked including Nicolás Capaldo, Agustín Giay and Máximo Perrone.
- Scaloni’s willingness to pick a midfielder or versatile attacker rather than a like-for-like right-footed centre-back reflects confidence in Argentina’s defensive depth and could change how the squad covers midfield injuries and tactical roles.