Argentina Calls Up Marcos Senesi for World Cup and Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Debut

Argentina has announced the call-up of defender Marcos Senesi to bolster its defense and address recent health issues in the squad. The 29-year-old center-back from Tottenham, playing in England, fills the void left by Balerdi, who was dismissed last week due to physical problems. Senesi is expected to arrive in Kansas on Thursday, where the team is currently preparing.

#SelecciónMayor The defender Marcos Senesi joins the list of footballers who will play at the FIFA World Cup 2026. pic.twitter.com/yL113my5SL— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 11, 2026

The decision to call up a new player reflects the complex situation faced by coach Lionel Scaloni, who has been dealing with various physical challenges among his players just a few days before the competition begins. Senesi's call-up, announced by San Lorenzo, takes place at a critical moment, requiring rapid adaptation and integration into the existing tactical framework. Managing injuries at the last minute can directly impact the team's strategy for the first game of the tournament.

Marcos Senesi, with his experience playing in Europe at Tottenham, is known for his solidity on defense and ball-stealing ability. His arrival represents an additional option for Argentina's defense, offering depth to the squad in an area vulnerable to unexpected absences. His age of 29 indicates a player with full physical and technical maturity, ready to contribute at the highest level of the tournament.

Alongside the change in players in the defensive line, the Argentina medical team is also closely monitoring other key players. Left-back Nicolás Tagliafico is one of Scaloni's main concerns for the first round of the World Cup. The Lyon player suffered an adductor muscle injury while scoring against Honduras last Saturday, and his presence at the debut against Algeria is uncertain, as reported by the newspaper “Olé”. Tagliafico did not participate in the friendly match against Iceland and trained separately.

Despite the challenges, the Argentine team remains focused on its schedule for the first round of the World Cup group stage. The team aiming to perform well in the tournament has a confirmed schedule for its first game:

The closer the World Cup gets, the higher the expectations for the Argentine team, especially after Lionel Messi's recent brilliance in the friendly match. Players such as Dibu Martínez have already projected ambitious scenarios, like a final between Brazil and Argentina, adding flavor to the pre-competition atmosphere. Managing physical issues and integrating new members will be crucial for the team to achieve its goals.

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