Coach: Messi's absence a blow

Lionel Messi's injury absence is a psychological blow to Argentina and requires a solution so rivals cannot take advantage, coach Alejandro Sabella said on Wednesday.

Argentina will also be without Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Gago and Javier Mascherano against Peru at home on Friday and for its last qualifier in Uruguay next Tuesday.

Sabella, whose team secured its place in next year's World Cup in Brazil last month, will use the last two matches to try fringe players as he looks to settle on a final squad of 23.