Higuain has 'nothing to prove' despite latest Argentina snub

Gonzalo Higuain has "nothing to prove" to Jorge Sampaoli despite the Argentina boss overlooking him for selection once more.

Gonzalo Higuain (right) has not featured for Argentina since the 1-0 friendly win over Brazil last June —Sampaoli's first game at the helm after taking over from Edgardo Bauza.

Jorge Sampaoli has left Gonzalo Higuain out of his Argentina squad once again but told the Juventus striker he has "nothing to prove".

Higuain has not featured for Argentina since the 1-0 friendly win over Brazil last June —Sampaoli's first game at the helm after taking over from Edgardo Bauza.

The 29-year-old has endured a difficult start to the season with Juventus, scoring just four goals in 12 appearances, and was overlooked for the crunch World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador.

Lionel Messi ensured Argentina will not be absent from the competition in Russia with a hat-trick in Quito and Sampaoli does not think Higuain can do anything more to try and earn a place in the squad.

"Higuain is a player who is very present. I have him in my mind and I know what he represents. With him there is nothing to prove," said the former Sevilla boss.

"It will be up to us to make an evaluation and decide whether he will go to the World Cup or not."

Sergio Aguero is recalled after a rib injury following a car accident ruled him out of Sampaoli's previous group, while Matias Kranevitter and Diego Perotti have been selected.

Argentina will take on Russia in Moscow on November 10 with another friendly expected to be confirmed shortly.

The Argentina boss will supplement Friday's selection of players with a contingent of domestic-based players.