Argentina's preparations for the upcoming World Cup could have done without another setback, but have sadly received one. With kick-off right around the corner, the nation all but confirmed via Twitter that one player has been ruled out of the tournament after picking up an unfortunate injury while with the national side.
That man is none other than Manuel Lanzini. The West Ham midfielder, having scored five goals in 29 appearances for the Hammers last season, was included in Sampaoli's final squad but has now been ruled out after suffering a serious knee injury.
This setback occurred during training, with the Premier League player rupturing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament. La Albiceleste revealed this via their official Twitter account, announcing the severity of the injury to his right knee.
[PARTE MÉDICO] Manuel Lanzini sufrió, en el entrenamiento matutino de hoy, la rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior de su rodilla derecha. pic.twitter.com/lmYEVr5YaV
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) June 8, 2018
He may have made only three appearances for the two-time World Cup champion, but he was tipped to play a key role in Sampaoli's squad. Angel Correa will likely be given a call-up but this hindrance for Argentina.
A rocky qualifying campaign and the 6-1 thrashing against Spain were followed by the sidelining of their number one goalkeeper, Sergio Romero. Messi and Co.'s final warm-up match, against Israel, was then canceled in what has been a turbulent ride to Russia.
The 2014 runner-up begin their campaign against Iceland. The South American giant will then face tricky clashes against Croatia and then Nigeria.
