Argentina World Cup Squad 2018: Messi leads Sampaoli's strategy, Icardi out
Argentina has in its squad only three players who are under 25 years of age, including Paulo Dybala
 "Lionel Messi practices with his teammates for World Cup 2018")
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The Argentina World Cup squad practice at Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Photo: Reuters
Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli announced his provisional list of 23 players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Monday. Serie A joint top-scorer and Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi is the most notable absentee from Sampaoli's 23-man list. Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, who has not played since March and is recovering from a knee operation, featured in the squad and is racing against time to be fit for the event..
Sampoali is going to the world cup with a host of injured or recovering players. Not only this, he will also have to tackle Argentina’s ageing squad. The ‘Albiceleste’ feature a notable amount of veterans. 14 of total 23 players selected in the squad will have passed 30 years of age till the end of the World Cup. Only three players are under 25 years in the squad, including Paulo Dybala.
Argentina's first choice goalie, Sergio Romero has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The Man United reserve was named in the 23 member squad and was also practicing with the national team but fresh reports state that he is out of this year's World Cup.
In a news conference, Sampaoli said, "choices are based on players that can do many functions to give us different characteristics. Those players in the final list are closer to the idea we are implementing. They are closer to the opposition's goal line than to their own."
Sampoali is going to the world cup with a host of injured or recovering players. Not only this, he will also have to tackle Argentina’s ageing squad. The ‘Albiceleste’ feature a notable amount of veterans. 14 of total 23 players selected in the squad will have passed 30 years of age till the end of the World Cup. Only three players are under 25 years in the squad, including Paulo Dybala.
Argentina's first choice goalie, Sergio Romero has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The Man United reserve was named in the 23 member squad and was also practicing with the national team but fresh reports state that he is out of this year's World Cup.
In a news conference, Sampaoli said, "choices are based on players that can do many functions to give us different characteristics. Those players in the final list are closer to the idea we are implementing. They are closer to the opposition's goal line than to their own."
Argentina's 23-man squad | Photo: Twitter @Selección Argentina