Injured Icardi out of Argentina squad
Argentina have excused Inter captain Mauro Icardi from international duty after he picked up a knock for his club
Inter captain Mauro Icardi has been forced out of Argentina's squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Russia and Nigeria with a knee injury.
Icardi sustained the knock during Inter's 1-1 Serie A draw with Torino on Sunday, although he completed 90 minutes and provided the assist for Eder's equaliser.
Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti later commended the forward on producing "a great performance" despite the concern.The Argentine Football Association (AFA) moved quickly to withdraw the 24-year-old striker due to pain in his right knee.
Argentina are set meet 2018 World Cup hosts Russia on 11th November and Nigeria on the 14th of November, with both matches to take place in the Russian cities of Moscow and Krasnodar. The La Albiceleste secured their World Cup place last month in dramatic fashion, with a 3-1 win away to Ecuador courtesy of a hat-trick from captain Leo Messi.