Alejandro Sabella has some new names in his player pool as he brings in some first timers to the national team as they will play Switzerland in Berne later this month. The Argentine national team coach called up 18 legionnaires for the upcoming FIFA international date.
There were a huge number of surprises that were seen by the first-ever callup for Napoli defender Hugo Campagnaro. His performance has been at a high level and Sabella mentioned on several occasions that he was keeping a close eye on Córdoba native.
Marcos Rojo of Spartak Moscow as well as Luciano Monzón over at Nice
There are also some interesting returns to the Albiceleste. Genoa's Rodrigo Palacio returns to the national team as well as Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez. Palacio has been in phenomenal form this season. He leads the team in scoring with 12 goals and is currently tied for fourth in race for the capo cannonieri.
Speaking of Italy, one name that raised eyebrows was that of AS Roma playmaker Erik Lamela. The former River Plate man was one name that was being tossed around Ezeiza for the past few days and his appearance with the big side was simply an eventuality.
Yet the most surprising of this batch was the return of Getafe defender Daniel Díaz. His presence is speculated to have been more because of injuries to players like Nicolás Burdisso and the low form being shown by Martín DeMichelis at Málaga.
There will be five more players called up from the domestic league inthe coming days. This final group will meet up with the squad in Europe prior to the match against the Swiss.
Callup
Goalkeeper: Romero, Sergio (Sampdoria – ITA)
Defenders: Marcos Rojo (Spartak Moscú – RUS), Monzón, Luciano (Niza – FRA), Garay, Ezequiel (Benfica – POR), Zabaleta, Pablo (Manchester City – ENG), Diaz, Daniel (Getafe – ESP), Campagnaro, Hugo (Nápoli – ITA)
Midfielders: Angel Di María (Real Madrid-ESP), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona – España), Maxi Rodríguez (Liverpool – ENG), Federico Fernández (Nápoli – ITA), José Sosa (Metalist – UKR), Fernando Gago (Roma – ITA)
Forwards: Higuaín, Gonzalo (Real Madrid – ESP), Lionel Messi (Barcelona – España), Agüero, Sergio (Manchester City – ENG) , Lamela, Erik (AS Roma – ITA), Palacio, Rodrigo (Genoa – ITA)
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