Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has withdrawn from the Argentina squad to focus on recovering from a hamstring injury.

A request was made by United boss Louis van Gaal for Rojo to not be part of the Argentine squad to face Ecuador and Paraguay and a statement by the Argentinian FA confirmed the defenders absence.

The statement read: "Marcos Rojo will not be part of the squad, as he is in the final phase of recovery from a grade 1 injury in his right hamstring."

"Louis van Gaal, the Manchester United coach, was in touch yesterday afternoon with Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to explain to him the convenience of the defender finishing his recovery in the club."

"The situation was understood by the Albiceleste trainer, who will hope to have Rojo in top condition for the second qualifying double-header against Brazil and Colombia, in November."

Rojo has only played twice for United this season and will hope to return to action in the next few weeks as he continues his recovery.