Alejandro Garnacho has been named in Argentina's preliminary squad for the upcoming Under-20 World Cup, potentially handing Manchester United a fresh problem.
Garnacho is currently making his way back from the injury which kept him out of Argentina's international double-header in March. The teenager is yet to make his senior bow for the Albiceleste, but it looks like only being a matter of time despite efforts from Spain to convince him to switch allegiance.
Argentina are due to host the Under-20 World Cup this year, after Indonesia were stripped of their responsibilities, and Garnacho is one of several Premier League players named in the initial squad. However, after keeping the youngster from participating in the South American Under-20 Championships midway through the season, United could face another dilemma.
Garnacho has four goals in four caps for Argentina's Under-20 side, who are managed by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. All of those came during the close-season last summer, though, and he continued to turn out for his club while Mascherano's side suffered a group stage exit in the South American championship in January.
The Under-20 World Cup gets underway on May 20, with the hosts scheduled to take part in the opening game. That's the same day United are due to take on Bournemouth in a game which could be crucial to their Champions League qualification hopes, with the final game of the Premier League season coming eight days later.
United could also still be in cup action when the Under-20 tournament begins. The Europa League final will be held on May 31, with the FA Cup final three days later, and Erik ten Hag's side are still alive in both competitions.
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Argentina weren't expected to feature at the World Cup, with their struggles in the continental championship meaning they didn't qualify automatically. However, they have earned a reprieve after stepping in as last-minute hosts.
Garnacho is one of a number of European-based players in the squad. Manchester City's Maximo Perrone and Brighton's Facundo Buonanotte are the other Premier League representatives, while Juventus' Matias Soule is among the other call-ups.
Reports in Argentina suggest the national FA expect Garnacho to be fit in time for the tournament, having recently shared a photo hinting at a return in the coming weeks. However, with United dealing with injury concerns elsewhere in the squad, they may want him involved in the first-team.
The Under-20 World Cup has provided a platform for a number of rising stars to show their quality, with Erling Haaland top-scoring in the 2019 edition when he was still on the books of Red Bull Salzburg. England are expected to name a number of Premier League stars in their own squad, with Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka and Manchester City's Liam Delap involved in the March international break.
