Leonardo Balerdi
OM
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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