Demichelis Named in Argentina Final World Cup Squad

Argentina have named Manchester City pair of Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis in their 23-man World Cup squad.

Demichelis returns to the squad following a two and a half year absence- his last coming in a 1-1 World Cup qualifiers match against Boliva.

Coach Alejandro Sabella had previous excluded Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, despite scoring 19 goals in the Serie A this season, from his 30-man squad. Tottenham’s Erik Lamela and Werder Bremen striker Franco Di Santo also did not make the South American team’s initial squad.

Martin Demichelis Returns to Argentina World Cup Squad, Two and a Half Year Since Making His Last Appearance for the 'La Albiceleste'.
Martin Demichelis Returns to Argentina World Cup Squad, Two and a Half Year Since Making His Last Appearance for the ‘La Albiceleste’.
Newell’s Old Boys midfielder, Ever Banega, was the most high-profile player axed from the country’s provisional list. Jose Sosa of Atletico Madrid and Atletico Mineiro’s Nicolas Otamendi completes the names of players axed from the last 26.

Defender Demichelis won the Premier League in his first season with Manchester City. It will be the 33-year-old’s second World Cup after making his debut in South Africa four years ago.

Sabella also selected injured midfielders Fernando Gago, Augusto Fernandez and Angel Di Maria.

The Group F favourites kicks off against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 15, before playing against Iran and Nigeria.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors).

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey).

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St-Germain).