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Gonzalo Higuain returns to Argentina squad for World Cup qualifying

The Albiceleste have recalled Pipita as they face a pair of World Cup qualifiers in November.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

After staying in Italy two straight international breaks, Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain has been recalled to the Argentina national team, and will be headed to South America to help the Albiceleste shoot for six points from a pair of World Cup qualifiers in November.

Higuain had initially been called into the Argentina team in September for a pair of friendlies, but a reported fever lead Napoli to keep him in Naples. Whether that was true or not -- Higuain was reported to be under the weather around Napoli's last match before the break -- Pipita was also not called into Argentina's squad in October, despite his much-improved form that he was rounding into at the time.

Injuries to Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, however, have forced Gerard Martino to recall Higuain for the upcoming international break -- and maybe his league-leading seven goals could have had something to do with it as well. The possibility is there, at least.

It's very likely that we'll see Higuain start one or both of Argentina's matches, given their importance. Argentina will face Brazil on November 12th at home in Buenos Aires, then go on the road to face Colombia in Barranquilla on the 17th. Those would be huge matches anyways given the opposition, but this international period is all the more important for Argentina given that they earned just one point in their first two World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador.

Argentina had traditionally relied heavily on Serie A for their national team squads, but this time the presence is relatively light . Only three other players based in Italy will be joining Higuain next month: Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), and Facundo Roncaglia (Fiorentina).

Napoli fans all hope you play well, Pipita -- but coming back healthy is our #1 concern.