BUENOS AIRES, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup due to a lower leg injury, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Saturday.
The 27-year-old's omission was confirmed after he felt discomfort while training with the Albiceleste squad in College Station, Texas.
"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," read an AFA statement.
"Hang in there, stay strong, and get well soon."
Balerdi, who has 11 caps, made 36 appearances across all competitions for Marseille last season. The AFA did not immediately name a replacement for the center-back.
Defending champion Argentina will begin its World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before meeting Austria and Jordan in Group J. ■
