Cordoba, March 29 (IANS) Striker Gonzalo Higuain is expected to replace Sergio Aguero in Argentina’s starting line-up for their World Cup football qualifier against Bolivia.
The Napoli striker lined up alongside fellow attackers Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in Argentina’s final training session before the match at Mario Kempes stadium in Cordoba, reports Xinhua.
Aguero was a peripheral figure in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Chile on Thursday before being replaced by Higuain in the 67th minute.
Coach Gerardo Martino also used central defenders Martin Demichelis and Javier Pinola during Monday’s training session. The veteran pair are expected to take the place of suspended duo Ramiro Funes Mori and Nicolas Otamendi against Bolivia.
Speaking to reporters upon Argentina’s arrival in Cordoba on Monday, Higuain insisted Argentina would not settle for anything less than a victory against Julio Baldivieso’s team.
“It’s an important match against Bolivia and we want to play well,” the former Real Madrid striker said. “This is a key match that we have to win to stay on track in the qualifiers.”
Higuain has scored 37 goals in 31 matches across all competitions for Napoli this season. He has been capped 53 times for Argentina and netted 26 international goals.
Argentina are currently fifth in the South American zone World Cup qualifying tournament with eight points from five matches. Bolivia are ninth in the 10-team standings with just three points.