<p>Balerdi was named in ‌Argentina's 26-man squad last week ‌after consistent performances with Olympique de Marseille, with whom ‌he made 36 appearances ⁠across ‌all competitions.</p><p><strong>"Defender ​Leonardo Balerdi suffered ​a muscle injury in ⁠the ​soleus of his right leg and ‌will not be able to be part of the squad that will play ‌the World ​Cup,"</strong> Argentina ‌said in a statement.</p><p><strong>"Hang in there, stay strong, and get well soon."</strong></p><p>Argentina have not announced a replacement yet for the 27-year-old centre back who has 11 caps. They play Honduras in a ‌friendly match later on Saturday.</p><p>The ​defending champions will open ‌their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan.</p>