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Playmaker Gago is one of three players of
Argentine first division leaders Boca added to Sampaoli’s squad
after the weekend’s league action along with uncapped midfielder
Pablo Perez and striker Dario Benedetto.
Argentina must beat Peru, direct rivals for a berth in next
year’s finals in Russia, to have a chance of taking one of the
four automatic places from the South American group or remain in
contention for an intercontinental playoff.
Sampaoli had planned to link Sergio Aguero with Messi up front
but has been denied that opportunity after the Manchester City
striker’s injury in a car crash in Amsterdam last week.
Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi were seen by Sampaoli, who dropped
Gonzalo Higuain, as the future alongside Messi but the pair have
struggled to settle into the side.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Gago and Messi enjoyed a fruitful
partnership in the 2014 World Cup campaign in which Argentina
reached the final but injuries have curtailed his international
career since 2015.
Argentina, lowest scorers in the 10-team group with 16 goals in
as many matches, have chosen Boca’s Bombonera cauldron for its
intimidating atmosphere to host Peru, who are looking to reach
the finals for the first time in 36 years.
The top-four teams after the final round of matches go through
to the finals while the fifth-place nation face a playoff
against Oceania qualifiers New Zealand.
Argentina are in fifth place, level on 24 points with Peru but
behind them on number of matches won. Brazil, on 37 points, have
qualified, while Uruguay are second with 27, Colombia third with
26 and Chile sixth on 23. (Writing by Rex Gowar, editing by Ed
Osmond)
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