Martinez ruled out of Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers
Baku, March 20, AZERTAC
Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez will miss their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a hamstring injury, Reuters reports citing the Argentine FA.
Inter Milan's Martinez remained on the bench for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 win over Feyenoord last week with muscle discomfort.
The 27-year-old returned to score in Inter's 2-0 Serie A win over Atalanta on Sunday, before joining Lionel Scaloni's squad, but he has now been ruled out with an injury in his left hamstring.
Martinez joins Argentina's growing list of absentees, including captain Lionel Messi, sidelined with a muscle strain, along with Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, and Paulo Dybala.
Argentina lead the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points after 12 games. The World Cup and Copa America holders play at second-placed Uruguay on Friday before hosting fifth-placed Brazil four days later.
Saudi Arabia open to expanded 64-team World Cup in 2034, says sports minister
Serie A matches postponed in the wake of Pope Francis' death
Former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele buys Lithuanian team
Two Azerbaijani gymnasts ready for action at 2025 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup
Title has to wait as Liverpool, Arsenal both win in Premier League