Lionel Scaloni faces significant challenges in his defensive setup as Argentina is hit with injuries at center-back.
Lisandro Martinez is sidelined due to a knock sustained with Manchester United, while German Pezzella also withdrew from the squad.
Cristian Romero, who suffered a toe injury and was substituted during the match against Paraguay, is ruled out as well.
As a result, Leonardo Balerdi steps in, earning a rare cap in a heavily reshuffled backline.
Scaloni’s options are further limited with Marcos Acuna out due to a hamstring injury, Nico Gonzalez absent with a thigh issue, and Paulo Dybala missing yet another international window with a muscle problem.
Argentina Starting XI (4-3-3):
E. Martinez (GK) — Montiel, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Peru Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Gallese (GK) — Advincula, Araujo, Callens, Trauco — Tapia, Cartagena — Polo, Cueva, Reyna — Paolo Guerrero.
Injured: Lisandro Martinez (back), Pezzella (muscle), Romero (toe), Acuna (hamstring), Nico Gonzalez (thigh), Dybala (muscle).
