Nahuel Molina out for Argentina, Giuliano Simeone called up

Argentina called up Napoli defender Giovanni Simeone after Nahuel Molina was ruled out of the friendlies against Honduras and Jamaica due to injury.

Molina, who plays for Atletico Madrid, suffered a muscle injury in training and will not be able to join the squad. Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, has two caps for Argentina and has been in impressive form for Napoli this season, scoring four goals in 14 Serie A appearances.

Argentina will play Honduras in Miami on September 23 and Jamaica in New York on September 27 in its final matches before the World Cup in Qatar, which starts on November 20.

"Nahuel Molina suffered a muscle injury in training and will not be able to join the squad," the Argentina Football Association said in a statement. "Giuliano Simeone has been called up to replace him."

Simeone, 27, made his Argentina debut in a friendly against Uruguay in September 2018. He has also scored two goals for Argentina's Under-20 team.

Argentina is currently ranked fourth in the FIFA World Rankings and is one of the favorites to win the World Cup in Qatar.

The team has a strong squad, which includes Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, and Paulo Dybala.

Argentina will be looking to win its first World Cup since 1986 when it beat West Germany 3-2 in the final.