In a development that will disappoint fans of both Manchester United and the Argentina national team, young winger Alejandro Garnacho has withdrawn from Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to a knee injury.
The 20-year-old, who has been in scintillating form this season, completed the full match in Manchester United's recent goalless draw against Aston Villa, but it appears the game took a physical toll.
According to reports from reliable sources close to the situation, Garnacho has been suffering from discomfort in his knee, prompting Manchester United's medical team to advise against him traveling for international duty.
This decision, which was confirmed shortly after the Aston Villa match, means Garnacho will miss Argentina's crucial matches against Venezuela and Bolivia, games that are part of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Garnacho, who has been a bright spark for Manchester United this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in eleven appearances, was looking forward to adding to his seven caps for Argentina.
However, his absence from the national team's upcoming fixtures will undoubtedly be a blow, both for his development and for Argentina's squad depth.
The young winger expressed his disappointment via social media, indicating his hope to recover swiftly in time for Manchester United's next set of fixtures post the international break. Manager Erik ten Hag, speaking after the Villa game, had praised Garnacho's start to the season, highlighting his importance to the team's attacking dynamics.
This injury adds to the list of concerns for Ten Hag, who is already dealing with a challenging season at Manchester United, with the club's performance and his own future under scrutiny. Garnacho's withdrawal might also see a reshuffle in Argentina's lineup, with Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina coach, now having to reconsider his options for the wing position.
The football community will be watching Garnacho's recovery closely, hoping for a speedy return to action for one of the brightest talents in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Argentina will need to find a way to cover his absence as they aim to secure their path in the World Cup qualifiers without one of their most promising young stars.
