Lautaro Martinez joins Lionel Messi in withdrawing from Argentina squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is the latest player to pull out of Argentina’s squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying games due to an injury.

The Nerazzurri captain has sustained a hamstring issue and will miss the games against Uruguay and Brazil, the Argentine national team confirmed.

The 27-year-old missed Inter’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Feyenoord due to a muscle injury but returned to action against Atalanta last weekend, scoring a goal in the 2-0 win.

Martinez is a notable absentee, along with Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala, who have also been ruled out of Argentina’s squad.

Messi made himself unavailable after suffering an adductor injury during Inter Miami’s win against Atlanta United.

Dybala is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a tendon issue in AS Roma’s win over Cagliari.

Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni faces a tough challenge without the trident. He will rely on Atletico Madrid duo Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone.

Alvarez will likely spearhead Argentina’s attack, and he will be looking to carry on his stellar form at club level.

Bologna wonderkid Santiago Castro will be looking to seize his opportunity after receiving his maiden senior squad call-up from Argentina. 

He has been one of the breakout stars in Serie A this season, bagging eight goals and four assists for the Rossoblu.

Martinez’s injury adds to Inter’s woes, with Marcus Thuram also withdrawing from France’s national team due to an ankle injury.

The Serie A leaders will be sweating over the fitness of the striker duo, who have been in sensational goalscoring form this season.