BATISTUTA LEFT OUT BY ARGENTINA

The star striker, who scored twice in Roma's 4-1 Serie A win at Bari on Sunday, has not played for his country since scoring against Uruguay last October.

The former Fiorentina ace has been injured recently, but was expected to be recalled by coach Marcelo Bielsa after returning to form and fitness.

Batistuta's team-mate Walter Samuel is also missing through suspension.

Parma pair Roberto Sensini and Matias Almeyda have both received recalls to the side for the game on June 3.

Argentina are top of the South American qualifying group, four points ahead of second-placed Paraguay, and are favourites to win through and qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Full squad:

German Burgos (Real Mallorca), Pablo Cavallero (Celta Vigo) Roberto Ayala (Valencia), Nelson Vivas (Arsenal), Mauricio Pochettino (Paris St Germain), Roberto Sensini (Parma), Eduardo Berizzo (Celta Vigo) Javier Zanetti (Internazionale), Diego Simeone (Lazio), Juan Pablo Sorin (Cruzeiro), Juan Sebastian Veron (Lazio), Matias Almeyda (Parma), Marcelo Gallardo (Monaco), Pablo Aimar (Valencia), Kily Gonzalez (Valencia). Hernan Crespo (Lazio), Claudio Lopez (Lazio), Gustavo Lopez (Celta Vigo)