Argentina's Balerdi to Miss World Cup Due to Calf Injury

Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi will miss the upcoming World Cup after sustaining a calf injury. Balerdi, who had been included in Argentina's squad due to his strong performances with Olympique de Marseille, is yet to be replaced. Argentina will play Honduras in a friendly before starting their tournament campaign.

Argentina’s defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup following a calf injury, the team disclosed on Saturday. Balerdi, who has been notable in his appearances for Olympique de Marseille, was a part of Argentina’s 26-man squad before the unfortunate injury.

In a statement, the team confirmed that Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in his right leg's soleus muscle, which precludes his participation in the tournament. The 27-year-old, with 11 caps to his name, will not see action in the World Cup this year.

Argentina is yet to name a replacement for Balerdi. They are slated to face Honduras in a friendly match before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.