Argentina calls Enzo as replacement for injured Lanzini

Argentina have called up Enzo Perez to replace the unfortunate Manuel Lanzini.  

The West Ham United forward ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in training on Friday, Argentina confirmed on their official Twitter page. 

The seriousness of the injury also means Lanzini is likely to miss the opening games of the 2018-19 Premier League season. 

Argentina have added Enzo Perez to their 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia. 

Manuel Lanzini's World Cup dreams are over after he suffered a serious knee injury in training. 

The Argentine national team confirmed the unfortunate news for Lanzini on social media. 

Jorge Sampaoli decided to pick Lanzini ahead of Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi, who scored 29 goals in Serie A last season. He made 29 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring five goals and creating nine assists.

And the Argentina manager has again scuppered Icardi's hopes of a late call-up by turning to Perez.

The 32-year-old Perez has played 18 games for River Plate this campaign and has a total of 21 caps for the national team.

The 32-year-old midfielder Perez has picked up a total of 21 caps for the national team. 

He has previously represented the likes of Benfica and Valencia during a 14-year senior career. 

Argentina's pre-World Cup plans had already been disrupted after a friendly away to Israel was cancelled, meaning the only match the squad has played together in preparation was a 4-0 win over minnows Haiti.

They will now have to deal with a new player being drafted in after Lanzini's serious injury.