Leonardo Balerdi ruled out, Marco Senesi linked to Tottenham

Leonardo Balerdi will miss the 2026 World Cup after a muscle injury in his right soleus. The 27‑year‑old centre‑back was called up for his first World Cup after captaining Marseille this season. Marco Senesi, also 29, is being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Balerdi featured in seven of Argentina’s twelve qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament, including three starts and a start in an October friendly with Puerto Rico. In domestic competition he logged 21 Ligue 1 starts and five substitute appearances for Marseille, plus five Champions League starts in his sixth season. The injury was announced via Argentina’s official social‑media channel. Argentina’s defensive pool includes Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Facundo Medina as immediate centre‑back alternatives. German Pezzella, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Kevin Mac Allister, Zaid Romero and Lautaro Di Lollo were also named in the preliminary squad. Marco Senesi is considered a favourite among the options. Senesi spent four seasons at Bournemouth, leaving as a fan favourite. He has earned three caps for Argentina, all in friendlies, with his debut in 2022 against Estonia and recent starts against Venezuela and Mauritania. His contract expires this summer, after which a move to Tottenham Hotspur is expected.