Lionel Scaloni will have to find alternatives to the absences of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Paulo Dybala when Argentina takes on Uruguay.

The race to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across South America during the March international period, with world champions Argentina leading the pack as things stand. La Albiceleste are currently top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table and can secure a berth at next summer's tournament should they sit 13 points ahead of seventh place after meetings with Uruguay and Brazil.

There will be no Lionel Messi for Argentina and no Neymar for Brazil in two decisive rounds of South American World Cup qualifying.