Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Andres D'Alessandro, all high-profile players left out of Argentina's World Cup squad under former coach Diego Maradona, have been called up by his interim replacement Sergio Batista for a friendly on Sept. 7 in Buenos Aires against World Cup winner Spain.
The 23-player list was announced Friday by the Argentine Football Association.
Zanetti and Cambiasso, key members of the Inter Milan team that won the Champions League three months ago, were shock absentees from Maradona's World Cup squad. D'Alessandro is a key midfielder for Brazil club Internacional, which won the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday.
Two other players who were bypassed for the World Cup also got a call - Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago and Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito.
The core of the squad contains many players from the World Cup and several who appeared in the 4-0 quarterfinal loss to Germany. They include: Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez of Manchester City, Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze of Marseille.
The game against Spain is followed by two other friendlies to finish the year: against Japan in Tokyo on Oct. 8 and Brazil in Qatar on Nov. 17.
Batista, named interim coach last month, was in charge for Argentina's 1-0 victory last week over Ireland. Strong showings against Spain and Japan could increase his chances of landing the full-time job. It is unclear if he will coach against Brazil.
The Argentine federation is expected to pick a full-time coach after a selection committee meets in late October. Other candidates include Alejandro Sabella, Carlos Bianchi, Miguel Angel Russo, Claudio Borghi and even Maradona.
Argentina has also lined up a match on Feb. 9 against England, to be played in Denmark or Norway.
The federation said Friday it would play in the United States between March 22-28. Matches would be against the U.S. and perhaps Mexico. Venues were not mentioned.
In another friendly, Argentina will face 2006 World Cup winner Italy on June 1. No venue was specified.
Argentina is the host nation for the Copa America, the South American championship which is set for July 3-24. The 10 South American members will be joined by Japan and Mexico.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Marchesin (Lanus).
Defenders: Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Gabriel Milito (Barcelona), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan).
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid); Ever Banega (Valencia), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan); Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Andres D'Alessandro (Internacional).
Forwards: Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid); Carlos Tevez (Manchester City); Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).
