Panichelli blow rocks Argentina’s World Cup build‑up

Argentina’s World Cup preparations have been hit by a major setback after striker Joaquín Panichelli sustained a serious knee injury during Thursday’s training session. The national team confirmed the issue but offered no diagnosis, saying the 23‑year‑old will undergo further tests. Local outlets, however, report that the Strasbourg forward has suffered an ACL tear, a blow that would rule him out of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Panichelli, Ligue 1’s top scorer this season with 16 goals, had been in line to feature in Friday’s friendly against Mauritania and was pushing for a larger role despite earning just one senior cap. His absence would force coach Lionel Scaloni to rethink attacking options as Argentina prepare to defend their title. The holders open their campaign on June 16th against Algeria before meeting Austria and Jordan in Group J of the expanded 48‑team tournament.