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Diego Perotti Replaces Jonas Gutierrez In Argentina Squad For Spain Friendly

The Sevilla youngster is in line for his first appearance for los Albicelestes...

Nov 9, 2009 7:23:07 PM

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Diego Perotti, Sevilla (MARCA)

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Argentina coach Diego Maradona was in a serious mood on arriving in Madrid this afternoon, fully focused on the challenge that lies ahead on Saturday.

The trainer refused to comment on Saturday's clash with Spain, pausing only when he was on the team's bus to say a few words to the gathered fans.

Maradona has been forced into a change of personnel ahead of the match in the Vicente Calderon, as Newcastle United's Jonas Gutierrez has been sidelined with injury.

'Spiderman's' replacement will be Sevilla's starlet Diego Perotti, who has played a key role in los Nervionenses' successful start to the season.

The 21-year-old will be hopeful of making his debut for Argentina on Saturday night, but cannot link up with his international team-mates until after los Rojiblancos' Copa del Rey match on Tuesday evening.

Some players, such as Esteban Cambiasso and Martin Demichelis, have already arrived in Madrid ahead of this weekend's friendly, while the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi will join the squad on Wednesday.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com