Batista names squad for Nigeria, Poland friendlies

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—Argentina coach Sergio Batista has named a squad of 22 players mostly aged under 25 and based in Europe for friendlies against Nigeria on June 1 and Poland four days later.

Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta, fresh from winning the FA Cup in England, plus Nicolas Otamendi and Fernando Belluschi, both members of FC Porto’s Europa League-winning squad, are on the list.

The squad gives opportunities to Argentina’s fringe players and leaves out established stars such as Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.

All of the players are based in Europe except for Independiente goalkeeper Adrian Gabbarini and midfielder Mario Bolatti, who plays for Internacional in Brazil.

Argentina is preparing for the Copa America which it hosts in July.