Argentina to be without key defender in crunch World Cup clash with Mexico

Germán Pezzella ruled out after picking up injury in training

Nicolás Otamendi likely to start in place of Real Betis centre-back

Argentina have been dealt a blow ahead of their crucial World Cup clash with Mexico on Saturday, with defender Germán Pezzella ruled out through injury.

The Real Betis centre-back picked up a knock in training on Tuesday and will now miss the Group C match in Doha.

Pezzella's absence is a major setback for Argentina, who are already without the suspended Marcos Acuña.

Nicolás Otamendi is likely to start in place of Pezzella alongside Cristian Romero at the heart of the defence.

Argentina know that they need to beat Mexico to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

They lost their opening game of the tournament 2-1 to Saudi Arabia and can ill-afford another defeat.

Mexico, meanwhile, drew their opening game against Poland 0-0 and will be looking to take advantage of Argentina's defensive problems.

The match is set to be a tense and closely-fought affair, with both teams knowing that defeat could spell the end of their World Cup hopes.