Argentina’s World Cup qualification campaign faces a setback as Manchester United’s young star, Alejandro Garnacho, has been ruled out due to a knee injury.
The 20-year-old winger was initially called up for Argentina’s crucial matches against Venezuela and Bolivia but will now miss the action following discomfort in his left knee.
This sudden withdrawal is a blow for both the player and his national team, who are keen to maintain their top position in the South American qualifiers.
Garnacho’s Injury
Despite completing Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, Garnacho has been withdrawn from the Argentina squad due to his knee issue.
The discomfort was significant enough for the Argentina coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, to make a quick decision on his availability.
While the full extent of the injury is yet to be disclosed, Argentina is taking no chances, opting to replace the young forward with Leicester City’s Facundo Buonanotte.
A Big Loss for Argentina
Argentina currently sits comfortably at the top of the South American World Cup qualification standings with 18 points from eight games.
However, Garnacho’s absence may impact their attacking options as they head into back-to-back fixtures. First, they will face Venezuela, a team sitting sixth in the standings, followed by a match against eighth-placed Bolivia next Tuesday.
Garnacho’s speed and skill on the wing have made him a key asset for both Manchester United and Argentina.
The young talent played a vital role in Argentina’s recent Copa America triumph, where they clinched their record 16th title in July.
His absence not only leaves a void in the squad but also removes a dynamic option for Scaloni, who has relied on Garnacho’s versatility and energy to break down defenses.
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Facundo Buonanotte Steps Up
With Garnacho sidelined, Scaloni has called up Facundo Buonanotte, the Leicester City forward, as a replacement. While Buonanotte has been performing well in the Premier League, filling Garnacho’s boots will be a challenging task.
Garnacho, despite his young age, has already accumulated seven caps for Argentina and was expected to add more during these qualifiers. Buonanotte now has the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage and make a strong impression.
Garnacho’s injury raises concerns for both Argentina and Manchester United. The winger has been a rising star at Old Trafford, showcasing his skills and earning a regular spot in Erik ten Hag’s lineup.
However, injuries have been a recurring issue, and this latest setback could affect his momentum. Manchester United will be hoping that the injury is not severe, as they rely on Garnacho’s creativity and pace to spark their attack.
The young winger has shown great promise for both club and country, and missing out on these crucial qualifiers may also impact his development.
International experience is valuable for a player of his caliber, and Argentina’s continued success in the qualifiers could have provided him with the platform to further showcase his talent.
Alejandro Garnacho will not play for Argentina in this international break due to discomforts.
Scaloni will remove Garnacho from the list as TyC Sports informed; Manchester United staff will assess Alejandro soon. pic.twitter.com/EkplWTj3aO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2024
Argentina’s Squad Without Garnacho
Despite the disappointment of losing Garnacho, Argentina still boasts a formidable squad. The team includes experienced defenders like Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, and Lisandro Martinez, ensuring a solid backline.
In the midfield, the likes of Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez provide the creativity and control needed to dominate games.
The forward line remains as threatening as ever, with icons like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez leading the attack. Additionally, Julian Alvarez, who has been in fine form for Manchester City, adds further firepower.
Although Garnacho’s absence is a setback, Argentina’s depth gives them the confidence to secure positive results against Venezuela and Bolivia.
The Road Ahead for Argentina
Argentina’s path to the 2026 World Cup remains strong, with the team positioned as one of the top contenders in the South American qualifiers. Winning their next two games would solidify their lead in the standings and bring them closer to securing a spot in the tournament.
The upcoming match against Venezuela on Thursday will test Argentina’s resolve. Venezuela has shown resilience in the qualifiers and will be eager to challenge the top team.
Following that, Argentina will host Bolivia, another crucial match that will demand full focus from Scaloni’s squad. With players like Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez available, Argentina still has enough firepower to navigate these fixtures successfully, even without Garnacho.
Scaloni’s Tactical Adjustments
Lionel Scaloni’s approach in Garnacho’s absence will be closely watched. The Argentine coach has shown tactical flexibility in recent years, adjusting his formations and line-ups based on the available players. The decision to bring in Buonanotte suggests that Scaloni may opt for a like-for-like replacement on the wing, maintaining the team’s width and speed in attack.
Alternatively, Scaloni could shuffle his forward line, potentially positioning Messi or Alvarez wider to exploit the spaces left by Garnacho. This flexibility in Argentina’s tactics is a strength, allowing the team to adapt and overcome such challenges.
