Manuel Lanzini is this morning reported to have has withdrawn from Argentina’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers with a knee injury.
Sky Sports have reported the news amid rumours that he suffered a new setback in his appearance against Newcastle at the weekend.
That remains unconfirmed at this stage but it would be a bitter blow should it be the case after the player missed most of pre-season and the opening two Premier League games.
It seems more likely that his nation are likely to risk him given he has only had 45 minutes football this season and looked ring rusty in the second half at St James’ Park.
He was set to be involved in Argentina’s matches away at Uruguay on Friday followed by the home game against Venezuela next Wednesday.
But his absence has a positive spin off for the Hammers ensuring the playmaker is at no risk of further injury on international duty.