One of the new faces to Gerardo Martino’s Argentina squad, Mateo Musacchio has been forced to withdraw from the squad for the upcoming friendlies in China and Hong Kong through injury. The 24-year-old played in his sides defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday but Villarreal have confirmed that he is now set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring tear.

Musacchio is one of Villarreal’s most prized assets and the injury will come as a blow to El Submarino Amarillo. However, he is also considered to be a potential long term partner to Ezequiel Garay in the centre of Argentina’s defence so it is also a disappointment to La Seleccion.

Having missed out on Alejandro Sabella’s World Cup squad, it was a boost to be recalled so early by Tata Martino. This appearance will now be delayed as Musacchio will not travel with the squad to China.

Villarreal have confirmed that the former River Plate defender will be ruled out for about a month and there has been no word from Martino if a replacement will be called up to the squad.