Tottenham could find themselves impacted by a Marcos Senesi U-turn ahead of the World Cup kicking off
Marcos Senesi appears set to be a late call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad with the decision possibly impacting Tottenham. The central defender, who is set to depart Bournemouth and officially join Spurs on July 1, was left out of Lionel Scaloni’s squad but an injury statement could see a U-turn performed.
On Saturday, an Argentina statement read: “Defender 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 World Cup. Chin up, strength, and a speedy recovery, skinny!”
According to ESPN Argentina, Senesi is among the names that could be called up as Balerdi’s replacement with Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Capaldo, Agustin Giay, Kevin Mac Allister and Martinez Quarta as others under consideration.
The latter and Senesi are the only two natural centre-backs in that list which suggests one of them will be replacing Balerdi. German Pezzella, who is the River Plate team-mate of Quarta, is another option for Scaloni.
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Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi and Facundo Medina are the other central defenders in their squad.
Senesi’s initial omission from Argentina’s squad came as quite the shock to many following such an impressive season at Bournemouth.
The 29-year-old was part of their squad for the March international fixtures and if he is selected to represent his country, Spurs will almost certainly be impacted.
The World Cup final is due to take place on July 19, 2026 with pre-season for the 2026/27 campaign due to officially commence a few weeks later.
Argentina have a real chance of going deep in the tournament and if they do, Senesi is likely to arrive to Hotspur Way later than what was expected having initially been left out.
Senesi’s girlfriend Kelci-Rose Bowers, who has also departed Bournemouth, has been posting regular updates of the pair out on holiday in Ibiza.
The Lilywhites have been in pole position to sign Senesi as a free agent since April but a move for Jan Paul Van Hecke and concerns over a potential hijack from other Premier League clubs have placed doubt over that.
Having lost Ibrahima Konate on a free, Liverpool were touted as a potential destination but reports state he will be joining Andy Robertson in north London next season having undergone his medical on Saturday and subsequently signed a four-year Tottenham contract.
