No Argentina call for Riquelme

Boca Juniors star Juan Roman Riquelme has missed selection for Argentina’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela.

A statement on the Argentine FA’s official website revealed that Riquelme’s Boca team-mate Agustin Orion, Estudiantes midfielder Rodrigo Brana and Atalanta striker German Denis were the three new additions included by manager Alejandro Sabella in the updated squad.

The announcement ends the hopes of both Riquelme and young Velez Sarsfield talent Hector Canteros, who had played himself into contention with an excellent performance against Brazil in September 14’s 0-0 friendly draw in Cordoba.

The additions bolsters the number of players called up to 27, although the announcement makes it clear that the list is still subject to change.

Argentina are scheduled to host Chile on Friday, before taking on Venezuela four days later in Caracas.

Riquelme – Boca’s veteran number 10 – has been in sparkling form for his club, missing just one game to help the giants to a five-point lead over nearest rivals Rafaela at the top of the Argentine Primera Division Apertura table.

The 33-year-old has not been free of injury worries, however, and concerns over his durability were key in the decision to miss the local national side’s two friendlies against Brazil.

Full squad for Chile and Venezuela matches: Sergio Romero, Mariano Andujar, Agustin Orion; Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Burdisso, Martin Demichelis, Federico Fernandez, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Pareja, Marcos Rojo, Emiliano Insua; Ever Banega, Fabian Rinaudo, Ricardo Alvarez, Jonas Gutierrez, Jose Sosa, Javier Pastore, Nicolas Gaitan, Javier Mascherano, Rodrigo Brana; Angel di Maria, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Rodrigo Palacio, Eduardo Salvio, German Denis.