Why is Nicolas Otamendi not playing for Argentina?
The struggling Manchester City defender has been left out of Argentina's squad as they look to kick-start a new era of hope
NICOLAS OTAMENDI is another senior member of Argentina's disappointing World Cup squad to be axed from his new interim boss' plans.
Lionel Scaloni has also omitted his fellow Manchester City star Sergio Aguero along with Gonzalo Higuain, Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria and even Lionel Messi.
Why is Nicolas Otamendi not playing for Argentina?
Otamendi didn't take his form to Russia despite making 33 Premier League starts and becoming Manchester City's most reliable centre-back during their record-breaking 2017/18 season.
He hasn't been able to rectify those performances since returning to Manchester, with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte's impressive showings restricting him to just one appearance.
The lack of club minutes combined with Scaloni's intent to embed Argentina's new blood has left Otamendi with a two-week holiday he didn't want to have.
What did the manager say?
Clearing up the reason for Otamendi and co's omission, Scaloni said: "No player told me he did not want to come to the Argentina national team.
"All the decisions we have taken are for the good of the national team and to try to see what we can bring to the future. We have very clear in our minds that we need to add people to this new adventure."
"I feel it's the time for renovation," he added.
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When do Argentina play next?
Their next game is against Colombia on Wednesday, September 12 and kick off is scheduled for 1am BST.
It takes place at the 82,000-capacity MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
How can I live stream Colombia vs Argentina what TV channel is it on?
The friendly is not available to watch on TV in the UK.
However, you can follow all the action on our dedicated SunSport LIVEBLOG.
