Scaloni reveals reason for omitting Man United forward from World Cup qualifiers

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed Manchester United Alejandro Garnacho’s omission from Argentina’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay in the November international window.

Garnacho, who was born in Spain, made his debut for the senior Argentina team in June 2023 against Australia and has added two more to his caps for the national team. The 19-year-old has already made 10 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils this season, including four UEFA Champions League appearances with just one goal in all competitions, with the goal coming in two EFL Cup games.

The lack of goals has informed Lionel Scaloni’s decision to omit the Manchester United forward from this week’s fixtures, although he did state that the winger is still on the radar of the national team and part of their plans.

“Ale’s non-call-up is due to a form issue. During the last calls, he did not have minutes, and we have to think about the human aspect as well. He’s on our radar and will be part of our plans”. Scaloni said.

The world champions are at the top of the South American qualification group for the FIFA World Cup, creating a five-point lead after four matches. They will face Uruguay at La Bombonera stadium on Thursday evening before traveling to take on Brazil at the Maracana next Tuesday.

Argentina Squad

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani (River Plate), Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), and Juan Musso (Atalanta).

Defenders: Pablo Maffeo (Mallorca), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Germán Pezzella (Real Betis), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Marcus Acuna (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (AS Roma), Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis) and Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur).

Forwards: Julián Álvarez (Manchester City), Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Ángel Di Maria (Benfica), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).

Daniel Ademiju Idowu