World Cup qualifier: Argentina train without Lionel Messi for Brazil game

Argentina recalled striker Gonzalo Higuain last month for the upcoming games against Brazil and Colombia.

Ezeiza: Argentina`s national soccer team practised on Monday ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup qualifier against Brazil, to be held in Buenos Aires on Thursday.

Argentina, still without the injured Lionel Messi and goalless in their opening two 2018 World Cup qualifiers, recalled striker Gonzalo Higuain last month for the upcoming games against Brazil and Colombia.

Coach Gerardo Martino dropped the Napoli marksman earlier in October for the South American group matches from which Argentina took one point after a shock 2-0 home defeat by Ecuador followed by a 0-0 draw in Paraguay.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was missing from the squad because he is still recovering from a leg injury that forced him off after half an hour against Ecuador, according to a post on the Argentine FA website.

Carlos Tevez, looking for his first international goal in four years, was retained as back-up but may miss the match due to an injured left knee.

Juventus` Paulo Dybala, who won his first cap as a substitute in the draw in Asuncion, has also been included in a 25-man squad.

Messi is expected to be out for a total of seven to eight weeks after injuring his knee while playing for Barcelona a month ago.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in the World Cup final in Brazil last year.

They host arch-rivals Brazil at the Monumental Stadium in northern Buenos Aires and visit Colombia five days later.