Argentina frontline returns

Leo Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Kun Agüero are in the Argentina squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay, coach Edgardo Bauza announced today.

Higuaín missed out on the 1-0 win over Uruguay and 2-2 draw against Venezuela earlier this month, while a calf injury forced Agüero to drop out of the squad before the first game. Messi meanwhile played and scored in the home meeting with Uruguay but was omitted for the following match after suffering a groin strain.

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Argentina meet Peru in Lima on 6 October then Paraguay at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba five days later. Bauza’s team sit third in the South American qualifying section group, level on points with Brazil (15) and one point behind leaders Uruguay.

Argentina squad

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Mariano Andújar (Estudiantes), Nahuel Guzman (Tigres)

Defenders: Facundo Roncaglia (Celta de Vigo), Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Martín Demichelis (Espanyol), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Nicolás Otamendi (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Matías Kranevitter (Atlético), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Augusto Fernández (Atlético), Éver Banega (Inter Milan), Erik Lamela (Tottenham), Nicolas Gaitan (Atlético), Ángel Di María (PSG).

Forwards: Leo Messi (Barcelona), Ángel Correa (Atlético), Lucas Pratto (Atlético Mineiro), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Gonzalo Higuaín (Juventus).