Argentine Defender Suffers Muscle Injury and Is Ruled Out of the World Cup

Leonardo Balerdi has been removed from Argentina’s national team squad after suffering a muscle injury in his right leg, the Argentine Football Association confirmed on its official X account.

The defender, who plays for Olympique de Marseille, was unable to complete Thursday’s training session after feeling discomfort during one of the drills. Medical checks were then carried out to assess the extent of the problem. The results showed a muscle strain, leading to the decision to rule him out of the team’s immediate plans.

According to Argentine media outlet Olé, the injury was diagnosed as a mild strain in Balerdi’s right leg. What initially appeared to be a short-term setback, with an estimated recovery period of around 15 days, ultimately became a definitive cut from the squad.

Balerdi’s absence is a blow to Argentina’s defensive options, especially given his growing role in the national setup. The Marseille center back had been expected to remain available, but the injury forced the coaching staff to make a late adjustment.

The Argentine Football Association did not announce a replacement immediately in the brief official statement confirming his departure from the team. The focus now shifts to Balerdi’s recovery, with his return to action expected to depend on how quickly the muscle strain heals.

The injury news adds another concern for Argentina as the team continues its preparations. Squad changes due to fitness issues can affect tactical planning, training routines, and defensive combinations, particularly when a player is withdrawn after already taking part in camp.

For Balerdi, the setback comes at an unfortunate time as he looks to maintain momentum both at club level and with the national team. Muscle injuries often require careful rest and rehabilitation, even when they are described as mild, to prevent the risk of aggravation.

Argentina will now move forward without the defender while monitoring his condition in the coming days. Marseille will also be keeping a close eye on the situation, as the French club will want a full medical update before the player returns to competitive action.

The official confirmation on X ended speculation about his status and made clear that the medical issue was significant enough to prevent him from continuing with the squad. Although the injury is not reported as serious, it was sufficient to force his removal from the national team setup.