River Plate s Alario replaces Higuain in Argentina squad

Buenos Aires March 25 (IANS) Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza has called up River Plate forward Lucas Alario Lanus midfielder Ivan Marcone and San Lorenzo defender Matias Caruzzo for the team s 2018 football World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday.

The changes came after Bauza was forced to rule out six players from the team that beat Chile 1-0 in Buenos Aires on Thursday reports Xinhua news agency.

Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi Barcelona s Javier Mascherano Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia and Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain will miss the match against Bolivia due to suspension.

In addition the Albiceleste will be without Gabriel Mercado who has a groin injury and Emmanuel Mas who has a knee problem.

Alario who has scored 32 goals in 60 matches for River Plate since 2015 could be used in the centre of Argentina s attack in La Paz filling the void left by Higuain.

Bauza will also be able to call Ramiro Funes Mori after the Everton defender missed the match against Chile because of suspension.

Argentina are currently third in the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points from 13 matches eight points behind leaders Brazil.

--IANS
tri/bg