Martinez ruled out of Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez will miss their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a hamstring injury, the Argentine FA said on Wednesday.

Inter Milans Martinez remained on the bench for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 win over Feyenoord last week with muscle discomfort.

The 27-year-old returned to score in Inters 2-0 Serie A win over Atalanta on Sunday, before joining Lionel Scalonis squad, but he has now been ruled out with an injury in his left hamstring.

Martinez joins Argentinas growing list of absentees, including captain Lionel Messi, sidelined with a muscle strain, along with Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, and Paulo Dybala.

Argentina lead the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points after 12 games. The World Cup and Copa America holders play at second-placed Uruguay on Friday before hosting fifth-placed Brazil four days later. REUTERS

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.