Alejandro Garnacho has received his third call-up to the Argentina squad ahead of next month’s friendlies against Australia and Indonesia.
The Manchester United star was named in Lionel Scaloni’s selections in March before an ankle injury suffered against Southampton forced him to pull out. Garnacho was handed his first call up in March 2022.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his senior international debut and watched on as United teammate Lisandro Martinez lifted the World Cup in Qatar. The defender himself is currently recovering from a fractured metatarsal, and so has not been included in June’s squad.
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Garnacho - who signed a new five-year deal with United last month - has four goals in as many under-20 Argentina appearances. So important is he to United’s plans that they refused to release him for the ongoing Under-20 World Cup this month.
The teenager scored on his first United outing back following his two-month injury lay-off, netting his fifth goal of the season against Wolves a fortnight ago. He is yet to start in the three games since his return but could be handed the honour in Sunday’s final day meeting with Fulham.
Antony’s certain absence following his serious injury against Chelsea on Thursday means there is a space in the front three up for grabs. However, if Garnacho is to start on the left it would mean a reshuffle of the front line with either Anthony Martial or Jadon Sancho dropping out.
Garnacho can make a good argument to begin the match after firing in a stoppage-time winner against Fulham in United’s final match before the World Cup. He has ten goal contributions in 33 first-team games this season, including five assists.
The ambitious youngster will be eyeing a starting spot in the FA Cup final on June 3 against Manchester City, against whom he provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s winner in their 2-1 January triumph.
Lionel Messi, former Reds player Angel Di Maria and United-linked midfielder Alexis Mac Allister all also make the Argentina roster for the upcoming friendlies. Madrid-born Garnacho qualifies to play for the country through his mother.
Argentina face Australia on June 15 before taking on Indonesia four days later.
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