Argentina picks injured Aguero

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24 August 2012-PA Sport

Argentina has called up injured Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru next month.

Aguero sustained a knee injury in City's opening Premier League match against Southampton and his club does not expect him back on duty until after the international break.

City manager Roberto Mancini has earmarked Aguero for a comeback at Stoke City on 15 September.

Argentina plays at home against Paraguay on 7 September and then travels to face Peru on 11 September.

In a further surprise step, coach Alejandro Sabella has handed a first call-up to 28-year-old Palmeiras striker Hernan Barcos.

Barcos said: "This is a prize after so much effort. It's a proud moment for me to train and compete with great players that I admire."

Argentina squad: Mariano Andujar (Catania), Sergio Romero (Sampdoria); Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United); Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Fernando Gago (Valencia), Enzo Perez (Benfica), Jose Sosa (Metalist), Pablo Guinazu (Internacional); Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Rodrigo Palacio (Internazionale), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Hernan Barcos (Palmeiras)