Argentina call up Senesi for World Cup after Balerdi injury

Balerdi is dropped from the 26-man squad after suffering a right calf injury

Soccer Football - Premier League - AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal - Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Britain - Jan 3, 2026 AFC Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Defender Marcos Senesi has been called up to reigning World Cup champions Argentina's squad, replacing the injured Leonardo Balerdi, the country's Football Association (AFA) announced on Thursday.

Marseille's Balerdi was dropped from Argentina's 26-man squad on Saturday after suffering a right calf injury.

"Marcos Senesi joins the Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup," the AFA posted on X.

The 29-year-old Senesi, who has made three international appearances, has joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur following the expiry of his contract with Bournemouth.

Senesi missed only one Premier League game, helping Bournemouth to secure European qualification for the first time after finishing sixth.

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