Argentina vice-captain Javier Mascherano has lamented the withdrawal of first choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero from the team’s World Cup squad.

Manchester United goalkeeper Romero was ruled out of this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia as a result of a knee injury and has been replaced by Tigres UANL’s Nahuel Guzman

Guzman will join Willy Caballero of Chelsea and River Plate’s Franco Armani as Argentina’s goalkeeping options in Russia.

Mascherano, who has a joint national record of 142 caps for Argentina and is set to retire from international football after the World Cup, was speaking about Romero with newsmen.

In his words via Goal, Mascherano said: “Romero’s injury represents a big low, not as a footballer, but as a man.”

“He has been the leader of the team for 10 years.

“It is football, things happen. We must wish the best to Guzman and move forward.

“We have suffered something unexpected, but there is optimism that the coach can count on the 23 players available.” he added.

Speaking further, Mascherano said: “Often football is fickle and incomprehensible.”

“We are clear that a World Cup is not simple, but we have a case to go to compete.

“It’s clear to me it’s the last chance. I hope we can live up to the competition. The most important thing is to show a competitive Argentina.” he concluded.