Higuain overlooked by Argentina
Napoli forward Gonzalo Huguain was a notable absentee from Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
The 27-year-old missed his country’s friendlies against Bolovia and Mexico earlier this month due to a stomach bug but has since been playing regularly for his club.
Indeed, the striker scored two goals in Monday’s 5-0 thrashing of Serie A rivals Lazio, taking his tally to four goals from as many appearances so far this season.
Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore were another two big-name players to not feature in the friendlies in the United States but both have been called up by Gerardo Martino for the Russia 2018 qualifiers.
There is also a place in the 28-strong panel for the uncapped Paulo Dybala, who has bagged two goals since joining Juventus from Palermo for €32 million during the summer.
Martino’s men will face Ecuador at home on October 8 before the relatively short-trip to Paraguay for their October 13 clash.