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‘High hopes’: Lionel Scaloni speaks about Alejandro Garnacho’s future with Argentina

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has spoken about Alejandro Garnacho’s international future following his unfortunate injury playing for Manchester United this month.

The 18-year-old has had a wonderful breakthrough season with the Red Devils. He has managed nine goal contributions from just over 1300 minutes of first-team action.

Garnacho failed to make the cut for the World Cup squad with Argentina last winter but he was called up by Scaloni for the March internationals before he suffered an ankle injury.

The youngster is sidelined for several weeks but speaking to reporters, Scaloni has backed Garnacho to make the next squad and added that there are ‘high hopes’ on him.

He said via Mundo Albiceleste: “Unfortunately, Garnacho couldn’t come due to injury. We trust that he will be able to be here in the next call up. He’s a kid in whom we have high hopes.”

Garnacho has a big international career ahead of him

Garnacho has been fantastic in his limited minutes this term. Most of his goal contributions have come in winning situations including a dramatic late winner at Fulham.

At just 18, he has been brilliant with decision-making in the final third and he has the potential to develop into a world-class player with the right guidance from Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag has restricted his playing time over the course of the season and this is probably a good thing. The Dutchman wants the youngster to have the hunger to prove himself.

Garnacho’s injury was unfortunate but United will be hoping that he can return to full fitness for the season run-in. He could be involved for the club at some point in April.

Meanwhile, Garnacho has a big international career ahead of him. He has had the opportunity to switch his allegiance to Spain but looks set to represent Argentina in future.

Scaloni has opened the door for another call-up in June. Garnacho should make his debut for the Albiceleste.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com