WC qualifiers: Aguero dropped, Messi, Higuain to lead Argentina attack vs Brazil

Lionel Messi, who returned back to fitness after missing October’s fixtures due to injury, will play alongside Juventus hitman Gonzalo Higuain in a two-man attack by coach Edgardo Bauza.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been left out of the Argentina squad for the crucial World Cup qualifier clash against Brazil to be held at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on Thursday.

Argentina's Lionel Messi during a training session in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Tuesday. Argentina will face Brazil in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match on Thursday (Friday early morning IST). (AP)

The 28-year-old has been struggling with form in his recent international appearances including missing a penalty for Argentina during their 0-1 defeat at the hands of Paraguay in their last outing.

Meanwhile, star striker Lionel Messi, who returned back to fitness after missing October’s fixtures due to injury, will play alongside Juventus hitman Gonzalo Higuain in a two-man attack by coach Edgardo Bauza.

Enzo Perez has earned a call-up on the right of midfield, while Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia marshal the middle of the pitch. Angel Di Maria would play slightly more advanced on the left.

As far as defence is concerned, San Lorenzo’s Emmanuel Mas has been preferred ahead of Marcos Rojo on the left-hand side.