Bauza open to selecting Higuain and Tevez

Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza remains open to selecting Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez in his squad.

Higuain made a €90million move from Napoli to Juventus in July after scoring a record-breaking 36 goals in Serie A last term.

However, the striker was not called up by Bauza for Argentina’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela this month, previously uncapped Atletico Mineiro striker Lucas Pratto instead getting the nod.

Tevez has not featured for the national team since October 2015, but Bauza has not ruled either player out of contention for future squads.

“I spoke with him [Higuain]. He knows that he could be selected at any time. He’s a national team player,” the coach said.

“[Tevez] is getting back to his best form, but we’ll have to see how he does after his [Argentinian Primera Division] suspension.

“He could be selected if he maintains his form.”

After beating Uruguay 1-0 courtesy of Lionel Messi’s goal, Argentina had to come from two goals down to salvage a draw against Venezuela.

Bauza saw some positives across his first two matches at the helm but still sees room for improvement.

“The idea has been instilled. We’ve been reviewing the last two qualifiers and there’s good things that stand out but also things to correct,” he added.

“We know that during these tight qualifiers winning is important. That is always the idea.”