Higuain snubbed for Argentina World Cup clashes

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain was axed by Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli on Friday for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela as the South American giant look to resurrect their faltering campaign. Higuain, who has scored 31 international goals in 68 appearances, failed to convince recently-appointed coach Sampaoli of his strengths in two friendlies against Brazil in June.

Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli has elected to drop Gonzalo Higuain for a pair of massive World Cup qualifiers https://t.co/BDDBBqKpxL pic.twitter.com/lK1gighJkg

— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) August 11, 2017

Argentina currently occupy fifth place in South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia with just the top four nations guaranteed to make it through. The fifth-placed team will have to negotiate a play-off against the winners of the Oceania zone in order to reach Russia.

Argentina have recalled Sergio Aguero but left out Gonzalo Higuain for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay & Venezuela — SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) August 11, 2017

Argentina, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings, will face Uruguay on August 31 in Montevideo and Venezuela at Buenos Aires on September 5.SquadGoalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Nahuel Guzmán and Gerónimo RulliDefenders: Javier Mascherano, Federico Fazio, Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Pareja and Nicolás OtamendiMidfielders: Ever Banega, Lucas Biglia, Augusto Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Guido Pizarro, Angel di María, Javier Pastore, Marcos Acuña, Manuel Lanzini and Eduardo SalvioAttackers: Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi, Joaquín Correa and Sergio Agüero