Major blow for Scaloni as Joaquín Panichelli suffers cruciate injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Argentina will head to the 2026 World Cup as contenders, but Lionel Scaloni has suffered a significant setback in attack. Striker Joaquín Panichelli has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee.

According to Superdeporte, the RC Strasbourg forward was injured during Thursday’s training after being called up for the friendly against Mauritania, left the session in tears, and subsequent tests confirmed the worst.

The report adds that Panichelli has previously sustained the same injury. He will miss the remainder of the season.

Panichelli, 23, had emerged as the alternative up front, scoring 16 league goals to date and offering a different profile with strong aerial play. The injury denies him a prime showcase at a crucial moment.

With Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez the principal attacking options, Panichelli had become the leading choice from the bench.

Argentina share Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, considered one of the more forgiving sections where surprises can still appear. World champions such as Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi and Emiliano Martínez are expected to be involved, though Scaloni will not have every option he would prefer.

Source: Superdeporte