An already depleted Argentina squad has been hit with a further injury blow with the news that Carlos Tevez has been cut from the group by coach Gerardo Martino, meaning he will not play against Brazil or Colombia.
Tevez has not recovered from a sprained left knee and Martino has taken the decision to relieve him from the squad. The albiceleste are already without Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero from their forward line, so Tevez’s injury causes further headache.
Defenders Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay have also had to withdraw from the squad. This leaves Gonzalo Higuain as the only central striking option left in Argetina’s squad for the match against Brazil on Thursday. Martino is allowed to call for reinforcement with Rosario Central’s Marco Ruben the favourite to be called, with Atlético Mineiro’s Lucas Pratto also in contention. It is likely that Higuain will be flanked by Paulo Dyabla and Angel di Maria when Argentina face Brazil on Thursday night in Buenos Aires.
Argentina have endured a nightmare start to their qualifying campaign, with defeat to Ecuador and an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Paraguay. They will be aiming for maximum points against Brazil and then against Colombia in Bogota on Tuesday evening, but will have to do so without their three most prominent attackers. Brazil meanwhile, will welcome an in form Neymar back from suspension for the Superclasico.
