Football

Bauza explains Aguero omission

Bauza has named an attacking four of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Enzo Perez, leaving out Sergio Aguero for the World Cup qualifier against Brazil on Thursday.

Dejan Kalinic
10 November, 2016 16:42 IST
EdgardoBauza - Cropped

Bauza regains Messi after the Barcelona star missed three qualifiers, all of which Argentina failed to win.

Dejan Kalinic
10 November, 2016 16:42 IST

Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza explained his decision not to include Sergio Aguero in his starting line-up for the clash against Brazil.

Bauza has named an attacking four of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Enzo Perez for the World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

> Read: Bauza says Messi still surprises him

The 58-year-old said his decision to include Perez was down to the opposition his team was facing in Belo Horizonte. "I opted for Di Maria and Enzo Perez because I believe they will be able to keep up the physical side," Bauza told a news conference.

"Enzo Perez played in this position for two years in the selection, because it is there that he began to play. More than anything, we are thinking of the rival."

Bauza regains Messi after the Barcelona star missed three qualifiers – all of which Argentina failed to win. The results have seen Bauza's team fall to sixth in the table, but he is happy to have a healthy Messi back.

"Messi arrived well, without problems," he said. After its meeting with Brazil, Argentina hosts Colombia on Tuesday.

Support Sportstar

Dear Reader,

Support our journalism — where text and pictures intermingle so seamlessly — and help us scale up your experience as the world changes around us. Your contribution is vital to our brand of uninfluenced, boots-on-the-ground reportage that’s worth your while. Clickbait sensationalism is not for us, but editorial independence is — we owe it to you.

  Dugout videos