Peru call up Argentina-born midfielder Calcaterra for friendlies

Argentina-born midfielder Horacio Calcaterra was among five uncapped footballers named in Peru's national squad for friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany next month.

Defender Johan Madrid, midfielder Marcos Lopez, goalkeeper Patricio Alvarez and forward Ray Sandoval were also included on coach Ricardo Gareca's 24-man list, named on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Calcaterra, who was rewarded for his fine form for Peruvian first division club Sporting Cristal, only secured citizenship for his adopted country last year.

Peru will play the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 6 and Germany in Sinsheim three days later.

The matches will be Peru's first since this summer's World Cup in Russia. The South American team bowed out in the group stage after one win and two losses in their first appearance in football's flagship tournament since 1982.

Veteran striker Paolo Guerrero was one of the six World Cup team members absent from Gareca's latest squad.

Peru squad:

Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese, Jose Carvallo, Patricio Alvarez.

Defenders: Luis Advincula, Johan Madrid, Christian Ramos, Miguel Araujo, Anderson Santamaria, Luis Abram, Miguel Trauco, Nilson Loyola.

Midfielders: Pedro Aquino, Yoshimar Yotun, Sergio Pena, Wilder Cartagena, Christian Cueva, Horacio Calcaterra, Andy Polo, Edison Flores, Marcos Lopez.

Forwards: Jefferson Farfan, Andre Carrillo, Raul Ruidiaz, Ray Sandoval.

--IANS

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