Lionel Scaloni gives brutal explanation for why Alejandro Garnacho didn't get called up to Argentina squad

Lionel Scaloni has ruthlessly explained why he hasn't called up Alejandro Garnacho to the Argentina squad.

The 19-year-old was a surprise exclusion from the Argentina squad for their international fixtures this month.

The world champions face Uruguay on Friday before taking on Brazil on Wednesday in World Cup qualifiers.

But the Manchester United winger won't be involved as Scaloni failed to pick him ahead of their matches.

Garnacho, who made his international debut in June, has played 16 games in all competitions for Man United this season.

But he has scored just one goal, having bagged in his side's 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace in September.

And his form is the reason why he's not been called up to the Argentina squad, according to Scaloni.

La Albiceleste boss said: "The reason for not calling up Garnacho? Ale’s non-selection is due to a form issue.

"We don’t like to bring players in and constantly leave them out or leave them out of the squad. Everyone wants to be there and it’s great, but the human side plays and you have to make decisions."

Alejandro Garnacho in action for Manchester United. Image: Getty

However, Scaloni said Garnacho has a 'huge future' as he continued to explain why he didn't select him.

"It would have been easy to bring him in," he added. "But in the last few call-ups he didn’t get minutes and there are times when you have to make decisions, but he’s a guy who’s on our radar and he’s going to continue to be there and he has a huge future."

Former Man United player Angel Di Maria was named instead of Garnacho, who has three international caps to his name.

Despite his Argentina snub, Garnacho has started Man United's last three games against Fulham, Copenhagen and Luton Town.

He could keep his place in Erik ten Hag's team when the Red Devils resume their Premier League campaign at Everton following the international break.