Balerdi was selected in Lionel Scaloni's 26-man squad and would have been appearing at his first FIFA World Cup, but that dream has been snatched away from him.

Argentina has yet to announce a replacement for the 27-year-old, with the defending world champion taking on Honduras in a pre-tournament friendly on Monday (AEST).

Ten players were included in the preliminary list of defenders, from which Scaloni will have to select one before its Group J campaign begins on 18 June (AEST) against Algeria.

Marcos Senesi, who left Bournemouth at the end of last season and is reportedly close to sealing a move to Tottenham Hotspur, was among those players who did not make the squad.

"Leonardo Balerdi suffered a ​muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be able ​to be part of the squad ​that will play the [FIFA] World Cup," a statement from the Argentina team read.

"Hang in there, stay strong, and get well soon."

Balerdi's withdrawal comes after the defender enjoyed a successful season with Marseille, helping it secure UEFA Europa League football for next season.

Agustin Giay, Nicolas Capaldo, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Kevin Mac Allister, Zaid Romero, German Pezzella, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marcos Acuna, and Gabriel Rojas were the other defenders named in Scaloni's preliminary squad who will be hoping to be selected.

Argentina also takes on Iceland in a pre-tournament friendly before facing Algeria. Austria and Jordan are its other group opponents.