Manuel Lanzini sprained his left knee in the goalless draw with Colombia on Thursday and will now miss the remaining two friendlies against Haití and México prior to the Olympic opener against Portugal on August 4th.

The 23-year-old is one of the more experienced players available to coach Julio Olarticoechea and had looked bright in the match with Colombia so news of his injury comes as a blow to preparations that have already been disrupted by withdrawals and administrative issues at the Argentine Football Association.

Lanzini started in an attacking role with Ángel Correa, behind lone striker Jonathan Calleri, and presumably his absence will mean a chance for Huracán’s Cristian Espinoza.

If fit in time for the Portugal game, Olarticoechea should perhaps look at dropping Lanzini deeper as one of the midfield three and utilising Espinoza and Correa in wide positions to support Calleri.

Argentina will train on Saturday in Miama ahead of Sunday’s friendly with Haití before travelling to Puebla, where they will face México on Thursday.