Naija wey dey follow football go shock to hear say Argentina don suffer big blow before World Cup 2026.
Defender Leonardo Balerdi tear muscle for right leg during last training before friendly with Honduras. Di medical test confirm say e no go fit recover for di tournament.
Balerdi, wey play for Olympique de Marseille, get 27 years old and suppose be backup for Cristian Romero for central defence. But di injury come spoil plan.
Coach Lionel Scaloni don remove am from final list and now go choose replacement from 55-man preliminary squad.
Argentina go open di World Cup on June 16 against Algeria. Di preparation don suffer setback as di team dey focus on fitness and avoid more injuries.
Balerdi don play 11 times for Argentina, including three World Cup qualifiers against Peru, Chile and Ecuador. E don also miss games before because of muscle problem.
Now Scaloni get headache to pick who go replace Balerdi for di squad. Di decision go come quick as di tournament dey near.
