River Plate midfielder Enzo Perez will replace the injured Manuel Lanzini in Argentina’s 23-member World Cup squad. The country’s football association confirmed on Saturday (June 9).

The 32-year-old Perez was called up by Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli after Lanzini ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the training schedule on Friday (June 8).

West Ham midfielder Lanzini, 25, had been linked with a summer transfer to Liverpool. But he now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His injury is a blow for Sampaoli, who had counted him in the starting line up. Lucas Biglia and Ever Banega are also carrying minor knocks.

Former Valencia and Benfica midfielder Perez was part of the Argentina squad at the 2014 World Cup. He also started in the final against Germany which they lost 1-0.

Argentina’s national team are due to travel to Russia from Barcelona later on Saturday ahead of the start of the World Cup on June 14.

The tricky Group D includes Croatia, Iceland, and Nigeria.

In addition, Argentina made 17 appearances in World Cup. They became champions in 1978 and 1986 respectively.

Argentina made hard work of qualifying for the 2018 finals. They needed a win against Equador in their final Conmebol game. Things didn’t look good when Jorge Sampaoli’s side fell a goal behind after less than a minute.

But a sensational hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi turned the match on its head and ensured safe passage to Russia in a spectacular fashion.

Argentina squad: