Argentina defender ruled out of FIFA World Cup

Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi will miss the World Cup after suffering a calf injury on 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.

Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a soleus muscle injury in his right leg, with the team sending their support and wishing him a speedy recovery.

"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.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed after his team's friendly win over Honduras that Balerdi has been ruled out through injury, saying the decision to drop him from the squad was made with ‘all the pain in the world’.

"Yesterday we had the hope that Leo Balerdi wasn't injured, but unfortunately it was confirmed and we had to drop him. We did it with all the pain in the world," Scaloni said.

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