Argentina coach Sampaoli has announced a 22-man roster for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Italy, handing a recall to the prolific Juventus frontman Gonzalo Higuaín.
True to speculations, the coach of the two-time world champions has included the veteran Chelsea goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero on the roster, Manchester United's Rojo is also returning to the team after close to a year in the international wilderness due to injury.
This is Argentina's last squad list before the Argentina Federation announce their 35-man provisional roster for the 2018 World Cup on or before May 14, so the coach has given everyone a hint of the players he plans to take to the World Cup with this latest list.
As expected, the roster for the friendlies in March is headlined by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
Javier Mascherano, Manuel Lanzini, ángel Di María, Sergio Aguero and Ramiro Funes Mori have also been summoned for the friendlies.
Five players were named to be on standby in the event of an injury to any of the 22 players on the list.
Argentina Squad For March Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Nahuel Guzmán, Wilfredo Caballero
Defenders : Gabriel Mercado, Marcos Rojo, Ramiro Funes Mori, Nicolás Tagliafico, Nicolás Otamendi, Federico Fazio
Midfielders : Javier Mascherano, Marcos Acuña, Lucas Biglia, Giovani Lo Celso, Ever Banega, Leandro Paredes, Eduardo Salvio, Manuel Lanzini, ángel Di María, Diego Perotti
Strikers : Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero
Standby List
Paulo Dybala, Maurco Icardi, Alejandro Gomez, Emanuel Mammana and Angel Correa
