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.

"Messi's absence is always impossible to disguise," Sabella told Argentina's Radio 9. "It's a different story, not just for us but also our rivals. It's a psychological blow when Leo's not on the pitch and it's a challenge to find a solution to the problem."

"The team's heart will be missing," said Sabella of the additional absences of Mascherano and Gago before saying he now has the chance to test Lucas Biglia and Ever Banega together in central midfield.

- Reuters

(China Daily 10/11/2013 page22)