Tuesday 17 November 2015

Gonzalo Higuain fit to face Colombia

Argentina have received a boost ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Colombia as Gonzalo Higuain has been cleared to play in Barranquilla.

The Napoli forward missed Saturday's training session with a foot injury sustained in Friday's 1-1 draw against Brazil in Buenos Aires.
Higuain, who set up Ezequiel Lavezzi for the Albiceleste's goal against the Brazilians, trained with the rest of the squad on Sunday and is expected to lead the attack at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium against Colombia.
Argentina go into their last official game of 2015 desperate for a first win in qualifying after clinching just two points from their opening three games.
Gerardo Martino's side are ninth in their pool, seven points adrift of an Ecuador side that leads the standings with three wins from three matches.
"We did not get the result we deserved against Brazil considering we dominated the game," Martino said to Argentinian newspaper Ole. "We expect a different game against Colombia and we will try to take control.
"We know the path we are looking for and our position in the standings does not change our approach."
Colombia have had an extra day to prepare for the encounter after Argentina's game against Brazil was delayed for 24 hours due to heavy rain.
Los Cafeteros, coached by Argentinian Jose Pekerman, also go into the contest on the back of a draw.
James Rodriguez, who missed the opening two qualifiers through injury, scored an equaliser in Thursday's 1-1 draw at Chile.
Colombia lie sixth in the standings, two points clear of Tuesday's rivals.
Rodriguez, who will start against Argentina, expects a tough encounter despite the Albiceleste playing without their top stars.
Argentina are minus the injured Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez andJavier Pastore.
To complicate matters further for Martino, right-back Facundo Roncaglia is suspended while Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela is doubtful with a muscular problem.
"We respect Argentina," Rodriguez said to Ole. "They are still strong and we need to be careful even if they are without Messi and Aguero.
"It doesn't matter if we had one more day to rest, Argentina will go all out for victory.
"We expect an intense game and in order to beat them, we have to play united."
The hosts will be without Atletico Madrid forward Jackson Martinez, who has sprained his ankle on Thursday, while Carlos Sanchez and Santiago Arias are suspended.

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