Argentina Coach Sergio Batista Announces New Local Squad

Argentina call up 16 locally-based players to train and play as the domestic Seleccion.
Argentina coach Sergio Batista has released a new list of names for the locally-based national team, with several new faces handed the chance to shine in 2011.

The Argentine FA released the list on Wednesday afternoon, and announced that the players would meet in the Albiceleste training base on February 14 and 15 to begin training together. The Association also plans to schedule a friendly for the players on March 16.

The squad excludes players who are involved in this year's Copa Libertadores campaign, although Independiente stars Matias Defederico and Julian Velazquez are included due to the late Rojo qualification and it remains to be seen if they will be replaced later. Defederico is one of several footballers who have been called up following their recent return to play in Argentina; former Porto midfielder Diego Valeri, now of Lanus, and the ex-Espanyol and current Racing Club full back Ivan Pillud are other new faces in the local Seleccion.

Full Argentina Domestic Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Agustin MARCHESIN (Lanus)
Javier GARCIA (Boca Juniors)

Defenders:
Ivan PILLUD (Racing Club)
Jonatan MAIDANA (River Plate)
Julian VELAZQUEZ (Independiente)
Lisandro LOPEZ (Arsenal de Sarandi) - yep! Same first name, same surname, but not related.
Luciano MONZON (Boca Juniors)

Midfielders:
Diego VALERI (Lanus, who returns from Porto after a loan with Almeria)
Claudio YACOB (Racing Club)
Fabian RINAUDO (Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata)
Leonel VANGIONI (Newell's Old Boys)
Luciano AUED (Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata)
Cristian CHAVEZ (Boca Juniors)

Forwards:
Mauricio SPERDUTTI (Newell's Old Boys)
Matías DEFEDERICO (Independiente)
Lucas VIATRI (Boca Juniors)