TEVEZ, MASCHERANO and MESSI set to return to the Albiceleste

Watching this video, really makes me want the Copa America to start. But before that big continental show-down there are a couple of friendlies to be played by Argentina and today is the day in which Alfio BASILE will announce a squad of 21 players that will travel to Europe and face Switzerland (2 June) and a rival to be confirmed (6 June). The latest name thrown to the table for that second friendly is Algeria. I’ve got nothing against Algeria but I honestly expected to face an opponent of a higher calibre.

It’s almost and open secret and we are a few hours away from finding out if the rumours are true that Carlos TEVEZ, Lionel MESSI and Javier MASCHERANO will all return to the Albiceleste. And this is nothing but GREAT news for our team.

There could be a couple of surprises (I don’t think they’ll be as surprising as DUNGA calling up AFONSO and JÔ, though!) and another come back or two.

So let’s take a look at what the squad could look like:

Goalkeepers:

No changes there, as the European based Albicelestes will play with: Roberto ABBONDANZIERI and Leo FRANCO as his back up.

Defense:

Put your money on the defensive line that played against France in Paris (Argentina won 1-0): Nicolás BURDISSO, Roberto AYALA, Gabriel MILITO and Gabriel HEINZE. The back-ups will most likely be: Pablo ZABALETA, Rodolfo ARRUABARRENA, Fabricio FUENTES, Gonzalo RODRIGUEZ and Ezequiel GARAY.

Midfield:

Will Maxi RODRIGUEZ be considered fit to play? If so, he will be included in the list. If not, there are no reasons to think he is not in COCO’s plans as he likes MAXI very much. Javier MASCHERANO is expected to be back in the team as well as Javier ZANETTI, who really convinced BASILE in that friendly against France. Fernando GAGO is another name that sounds pretty much confirmed and we’ll have to wait to see who complete the midfield line: Lucho GONZALEZ? Pablo AIMAR? Nothing but rumours. No word on who could be the playmaker yet.

Attack:

Impossible to leave Lionel MESSI and Carlos TEVEZ out of this. There are doubts about the inclussion of Javier SAVIOLA as the lack of competitive matches might have affected his form and played against his chances of making it for these couple of friendlies. Sergio AGÜERO will be included in the U20 team so he might be left out this time.

Hernán CRESPO? Diego MILITO? Another mistery to be solved later today, when COCO gives us his 21 names.

Do you like the players that are being named?

What about Algeria? Are you happy with the possibility of facing them?

Is there a player you would like to see wearing the Albiceleste and you didn't see him in this probable list?