New Delhi: Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has been ruled from Argentina’s FIFA World Cup qualifier clash against Uruguay and Brazil due to a hamstring tear as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Martinez scored the second goal during Inter’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the Italian Serie A on Sunday, before being substituted in the 91st minute of the game.
AFA haven’t named the 27-year-old striker’s replacement, with his withdrawal from the squad coming just two days after Argentina captain Lionel Messi was ruled out due to an adductor strain. Argentina will face Uruguay in Montevideo on Friday before facing Brazil at home in Buenos Aires next Tuesday.
🚨🇦🇷 Lautaro Martínez leaves Argentina camp and he won’t be available for the games against Brazil and Uruguay.
He’s dealing with muscle discomfort. pic.twitter.com/cIrktwIlrL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 19, 2025
Lionel Scaloni’s side are currently leading the 10-team South American zone-qualification standings, having taken 25 points from 12 games, five points ahead of Uruguay. While Argentina are leading, they are now facing two of the fiercest rivals.
Ruben Ramirez to miss World Cup qualifiers for Venezuela
Venezuela’s central defender Ruben Ramirez will be missing their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Peru after sustaining a torn hamstring as told by Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF).
The 29-year-old had got injured during Bolivia’s Club Bolivia and MRI scans have confirmed that he won’t be available for the two games. In their statement, FVF mentioned that the “diagnosis” prompted Ramirez to be removed from the squad so that he could recover at his club. Ramirez’s news also comes following defender Miguel Navarro’s withdrawal from the squad due to a leg muscle injury.
Venezuela will be playing Ecuador in Quito on Friday, followed by their clash against Peru in Maturin on Tuesday. Venezuela are currently placed eighth in the table, taking only 12 points so far. With just six games remaining, the South American qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 brings the continent’s first international fixture of this year.
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez ruled out of FIFA World Cup qualifier following, hamstring tear, with the Inter Milan striker’s news coming after Lionel Messi’s withdrawal from the squad following an adductor strain. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
