Argentina forward Joaquín Panichelli has suffered a torn right ACL, an injury that will prevent him from participating in the World Cup and end his season with Strasbourg.
“Tests on Joaquín Panichelli confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Stay strong, Joaco! We’re with you,” read a medical statement shared Friday on the Argentina national team’s X account.
Currently leading the Ligue 1 scoring chart with 16 goals, Panichelli will need surgery and is projected to be out for six to eight months.
The injury occurred during training for the Argentine national team on Thursday, as they prepared for a friendly against Mauritania in Buenos Aires. Panichelli, competing for a place on the final World Cup roster, left the field in tears.
Before the match, Argentina’s players donned jerseys with a supportive message for Panichelli.
“Losing Panichelli to a torn ACL is a significant blow,” commented Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez following the 2-1 triumph over Mauritania.
Panichelli, who made his Argentine debut in November 2025 during a friendly win against Angola, previously endured a similar injury to his right leg in 2024.
This report incorporates information from ESPN Argentina and The Associated Press.