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Argentina lose defender Leonardo Balerdi for World Cup due to calf injury

Argentina ⁠defender Leonardo Balerdi will ‌miss the World ‌Cup
Argentina ⁠defender Leonardo Balerdi will ‌miss the World ‌CupSam Navarro-Imagn Images

Argentina ⁠defender Leonardo Balerdi will ‌miss the World ‌Cup ‌after suffering ‌a calf injury ‌in his right ‌leg, the ⁠team announced ‌on Saturday.

Balerdi was named in ‌Argentina's 26-man squad last week ‌after consistent performances with Olympique de Marseille, with whom ‌he made 36 appearances ⁠across ‌all competitions.

"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," Argentina ‌said in a statement.

"Hang in there, stay strong, and get well soon."

Argentina have not announced a replacement yet for the 27-year-old centre back who has 11 caps. They play Honduras in a ‌friendly match later on Saturday.

The ​defending champions will open ‌their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan.

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