Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has withdrawn from the Argentina squad ahead of their World Cup qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.
The 25-year old has not played for the Reds since injuring his hamstring against Southampton two weeks ago but was still called up by Albiceleste coach Gerardo Martino for the matches this month.
However, Rojo has asked the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) not to travel to Argentina to confirm the severity of the injury, and United manager Louis van Gaal has been in touch with Martino to say that it would be better if the defender stayed in Manchester to complete his recovery.
And the AFA have confirmed that Rojo will not be with the Argentina squad in an official statement.
“Marcos Rojo will not be part of the squad for the qualifying debut against Ecuador and Paraguay, as he is in the final phase of recovery from a grade 1 injury in his right hamstring,” the entity revealed on Monday.
“Louis Van Gaal, the Manchester United coach, was in touch yesterday afternoon with Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to explain to him the convenience of the defender finishing his recovery in the club.
“The situation was understood by the Albiceleste trainer, who will hope to have Rojo in top condition for the second qualifying double-header against Brazil and Colombia, in November.”
Argentina play Ecuador on Thursday and Paraguay next Tuesday. Despite Rojo’s withdrawal, there will be a United representative in the squad, with Sergio Romero expected to start both qualifiers in goal.
Comments.
Loading comments…