Central defender German Pezzela has been left out of Argentina’s squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru due to injury, the Argentine Football Association said.
The AFA said the 33-year-old strained a calf muscle while playing for River Plate in Argentina’s top flight and failed to recover in time for Albiceleste’s final two matches of 2024.
The club did not immediately name a replacement for the former Fiorentina and Real Betis player. Pezzella’s absence adds to the loss of Nicolas Gonzalez, who was already ruled out so he can recover with Juventus in Turin.
The team held its first training session led by captain Lionel Messi, who arrived at the training center on Monday morning.
Argentina will play Paraguay in Asuncion on Thursday and Peru in Buenos Aires five days later. The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions currently lead the South American qualifying zone with 22 points from 10 games.
