Gago earns Argentina recall for World Cup qualifiers

Buenos Aires Oct 3 (IANS) Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli has recalled former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago to his squad for the team s World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador.

Gago was one of three Boca Juniors added to Sampaoli s squad on Monday along with midfielder Pablo Perez and forward Dario Benedetto reports Xinhua news agency.

The 31-year-old whose club career has also included spells at Roma and Valencia has not played for the Albiceleste since 2015.

Argentina will host Peru in Buenos Aires on October 5 before an away clash against Ecuador in Quito five days later.

The two-time World Cup winners are fifth in South America s CONMEBOL standings and must win both of their remaining qualifiers to secure a ticket to Russia next year.

The top four teams will automatically qualify for the quadrennial tournament while the fifth-ranked side will advance to a play-off.

--IANS
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