Argentina confirmed on Saturday that defender Leonardo Balerdi has 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, forcing coach Lionel Scaloni to name an immediate replacement.
The loss removes a central-defensive option from a list that already includes Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi and Facundo Medina. With Balerdi out, Scaloni's staff have identified five names under consideration to fill the vacancy: Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Capaldo, Agustin Giay, Kevin Mac Allister and Martinez Quarta.
Two facts stand out from that list. First, only Martinez Quarta and Marcos Senesi are natural centre-backs among the options being discussed; second, German Pezzella remains named as an alternate option. Argentina reported that Senesi — who was initially left out of Scaloni's World Cup squad — appears set to be a late call-up and is among the names being weighed for selection.
Senesi's case has practical consequences beyond the national team. He was part of Argentina's squad for the March international fixtures, and clubs had been tracking his availability: the Lilywhites have been in pole position to sign Marcos Senesi as a free agent since April. That move was expected to have Senesi join on July 1, and a World Cup call-up could delay his arrival ahead of pre-season for the 2026/27 campaign, which is due to officially commence a few weeks after the World Cup final on July 19, 2026.
The immediate arithmetic is simple: Scaloni must replace one central defender on a 23-man roster with limited time before Argentina's opening matches. Managers typically prefer defenders with recent international experience or those who fit specific tactical profiles; Senesi's inclusion in March's squad strengthens his case, even though he was initially omitted from the World Cup list.
But the selection is not straightforward. Of the five names explicitly under consideration as replacements, only Martinez Quarta shares Senesi's profile as a natural centre-back. The other options — Acuna, Capaldo, Giay and Mac Allister — offer versatility along the back line or in midfield, which could shift how Scaloni balances depth and match-up coverage for the tournament.
Tottenham — the club closely linked to Senesi's pending move — would feel the practical impact if the player is called up. A late inclusion would extend Senesi's international commitments into late July and potentially collide with the club's preparations for the 2026/27 season. That creates a short window for negotiation between club timing and national need, even though the transfer itself was reported to be in Tottenham's favor since April.
The key unanswered question now is who Scaloni will pick: a like-for-like centre-back in Martinez Quarta or Senesi, or a more versatile option who adds tactical flexibility at the cost of natural centre-back depth. Argentina's staff have confirmed Balerdi's injury and that he will miss the World Cup; the federation and Scaloni must still announce the replacement. The choice will determine not only Argentina's defensive setup for the tournament but also whether Senesi's club timetable is reshaped by a late international call.
