BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Gonzalo Higuain's absence from Argentina's national team continued on Thursday when the Juventus striker was left out of Jorge Sampaoli's squad for friendlies against Russia and Nigeria.
But there was a recall for Roma winger Diego Perotti while uncapped Boca Juniors forward Cristian Pavon was also included.
Despite his prolific form at club level, Higuain has yet to play a competitive fixture under Sampaoli, who was appointed Argentina coach on June 1.
The 29-year-old has netted four goals in his past three matches for Juventus.
Perotti, who made his international debut in 2009, has not represented his country since June 2011 in the battle with a series of injuries. But he has regained his fitness and best form for the Giallorossi in the Italian Serie A this season.
The Albiceleste will play Russia in Moscow on November 11 followed by a clash against Nigeria in the southwestern Russian city of Krasnodar three days later.
