Scaloni Eyes Buendia as Argentina Seek Balerdi Replacement for World Cup

9 Jun 2026

Argentina must replace defender Leonardo Balerdi, who suffered a soleus muscle tear in his right leg and was withdrawn from the World Cup squad. Head coach Lionel Scaloni says the gap "can be covered," with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi able to fill in, leaving the search open to other areas. Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia, a notable omission from the original 26, has reportedly been asked to keep his options open as he stays in contention for a late call-up.