Leonardo Balerdi
ROM
Joins Roma on loan
Balerdi has joined Roma from Marseille on an initial loan deal that includes an option to make the move permanent.
Analysis: Balerdi arrives in Rome after establishing himself as a regular presence in Marseille's back line and should immediately compete for significant minutes in central defense. The 27-year-old brings composure in possession, physicality and the ability to progress the ball from the back, giving Roma another experienced option in the heart of defense. His versatility across different defensive setups should also help him earn a prominent role during the campaign.
Returns to team training
Balerdi (calf) has returned to team training after missing the match against Strasbourg and is expected to be available for Sunday's clash against Monaco, the club posted.
Analysis: Balerdi has resumed full training after tests on his calf injury produced reassuring results, putting him on track to return Sunday against Monaco. The center-back was a regular presence in defense last season, averaging 3.9 clearances and 1.9 tackles per game, and should immediately compete for a starting role once cleared. His expected return would provide an important boost to the backline after he was unavailable against Strasbourg.
Set to return soon
Balerdi (calf) could be back available in the next few days after missing the weekend match against Strasbourg, as coach Bruno Genesio said in a press conference relayed by ActuLigue 1 that the tests were reassuring and the defender should resume training at the start of the week before being available against Monaco.
Analysis: This is a positive update after Balerdi was left out of the squad for the season opener. If he returns to training early in the week as expected, Marseille could have a regular option back in central defense for the Monaco match, and he may be selected over Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley (ankle), especially if the latter is not fit. During the previous campaign, Balerdi averaged 3.9 clearances and 1.9 tackles per game, which is the output he can usually be relied on for.
Left out of squad for Strasbourg opener
Balerdi (calf) is not in Marseille's squad for Friday's season opener against Strasbourg.
Analysis: Balerdi's calf issue evidently did not clear up in time, confirming the uncertainty that had lingered over his fitness in the buildup to the match. Two of Derek Cornelius, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley are expected to form the central defensive pairing in his absence, with Balerdi now set to be reassessed as Marseille look toward their next fixture.
Uncertain for season opener
Balerdi is uncertain for Friday's season opener against Strasbourg due to a calf alert, according to coach Bruno Genesio. "Balerdi is uncertain for Strasbourg because of a calf alert."
Analysis: Balerdi's fitness will need to be monitored closely over the coming days as Marseille finalize their squad plans for the opener. If he is unable to go, Derek Cornelius is expected to pair in central defense with either Geoffrey Kondogbia or Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley. Balerdi is expected to be given until close to kickoff to prove his fitness before a final call is made.
Felt cramps, nothing serious
Balerdi felt cramps in Sunday's 3-1 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao, though nothing serious, according to Massilia Zone.
Analysis: Balerdi made 26 Ligue 1 appearances last season, contributing one assist, and remains at Marseille for now despite reportedly wanting to leave the club this summer. He could still land a decent role in the back line if he stays, especially after recently returning to full training following the leg injury that had cost him a spot at the World Cup with Argentina, and his fitness continues to build as preseason progresses.
Starts vs. Nimes
Balerdi starts in Marseille's preseason friendly against Nimes, the club announced.
Analysis: Balerdi had been sidelined with a leg injury suffered in training that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Argentina, recently rejoining full team training at La Commanderie after working individually. His inclusion in the starting lineup marks a clear step forward in his buildup, though he remains reportedly on the move this summer, meaning his fitness progress may not significantly factor into new coach Bruno Genesio's plans regardless.
Set to play against Nimes
Balerdi will play in Marseille's next preseason friendly against Nimes on July 30, according to coach Bruno Genesio, per La Provence.
Analysis: Balerdi had been sidelined with a leg injury suffered in training that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Argentina, and he recently rejoined full team training at La Commanderie after working individually. His planned involvement against Nimes marks a clear step forward in his buildup, though he remains reportedly on the move this summer, meaning his fitness progress may not significantly factor into new coach Bruno Genesio's plans regardless since he is reportedly on the move this summer.
Rejoins team training
Balerdi entered France two weeks ago and has now rejoined team training at La Commanderie on Wednesday after working individually first, according to Massilia Zone.
Analysis: Balerdi had been sidelined with a leg injury suffered in training that also ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, following a tailored recovery program. His return to the group marks a clear step forward in his buildup after the individualized work. The defender is reportedly on the move this summer, meaning his situation shouldn't significantly impact new coach Bruno Genesio's plans regardless of his fitness progress. Balerdi is expected to continue building toward full match sharpness as preseason continues.
Doing specific program to recover
Balerdi (leg) is doing a specific program to recover from his injury and build fitness, according to GP013.
Analysis: Balerdi had suffered the injury in training, an issue that ultimately ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. His tailored recovery program suggests Marseille is taking a measured approach to his return, and his progression toward full training will be one to track as preseason continues. Balerdi is reportedly on the move this summer, so his absence doesn't impact the plans of new coach Bruno Genesio.
Fully training, injury healed
Balerdi (leg) was present at training and participated normally, appearing to have recovered from his leg injury, the club announced.
Analysis: Balerdi had suffered the injury in a training session that ultimately ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. His full participation now suggests the issue has been resolved without complication. Balerdi is expected to continue building toward full fitness as preseason progresses.
Confirmed absence for World Cup
Balerdi (leg) suffered a right leg injury and won't participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team announced Saturday.
Analysis: Balerdi suffered the injury in Friday's session, and further tests revealed that the Marseille center-back won't recover in time to be an option for the World Cup. It hasn't been announced who will take his place in the squad.
Suffers leg injury in training
Balerdi is expected to be ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a serious leg injury during Argentina's training session on Friday, with sources indicating a minimum recovery period of one month, according to Nacho Rivarola of eltrece.
Analysis: Balerdi's injury is a devastating blow for both the player and Argentina heading into the tournament, with the defender losing his chance to represent the defending world champions. Coach Lionel Scaloni will likely now need to make an injury-enforced change to the squad before the opener against Algeria on June 16, with the federation expected to confirm a replacement in the coming hours.
Seven shots in draw
Balerdi had seven shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Nice.
Analysis: Balerdi was Marseille's most aggressive threat in Sunday's 1-1 home draw against Nice in the derby, ripping off seven shots but wasting two big chances that could have killed the game long before Elye Wahi's late equalizer. He also chipped in defensively with four tackles (three won) and three clearances in what was otherwise a well-rounded showing on both sides of the ball. That said, his lack of composure in front of goal ultimately kept the door open and took some shine off an otherwise strong performance.
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