Alejandro Garnacho has withdrawn from the Argentina squad in yet another key new injury concern for Manchester United.
The 20-year-old winger started for his club against Aston Villa on Sunday, playing the full 90 minutes in a goalless Premier League draw at Villa Park.
Garnacho had been expected to fly out to join up with the Argentina squad in Miami for their next pair of 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against Venezuela and Bolivia.
However, Argentine publication TyC Sports first reported that the player has a knee issue and will not be part of those fixtures.
Garnacho himself has now confirmed his absence, posting on Instagram on Monday: “I had knee problems in the last two matches, and I won't be able to be with the national team, but I hope to recover so I can be on the next date [against Paraguay and Peru in November].”
Garnacho’s issue adds to a worsening headache for under-fire United manager Erik ten Hag, who had to substitute both Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui at half-time of Sunday’s stalemate against Villa due to injury.
The severity of their respective issues is not yet known, with further assessment expected to take place on Monday after Maguire had to be slowly helped off the pitch by physios at Villa Park.
Struggling United - who return to action after the international break with a home league meeting with Brentford on October 19 - remain without summer signing Leny Yoro due to injury, as well as Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.
While Garnacho has not joined up with Argentina, compatriot Alexis Mac Allister has travelled despite being substituted at half-time of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday with a groin problem.
Garnacho is an important figure for United, having notched four goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this term.
Ten Hag noted that the former Atletico Madrid youngster had been carrying a knock of late while explaining his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time of last week’s chaotic Europa League draw with Porto.
