International soccer: Almeyda out for Argentina

Argentina midfielder Matias Almeyda has pulled out of the squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Wales.

The 28-year-old, who was due to join the squad in Cardiff today, pulled a leg muscle in the second half of Parma’s 1-0 win over Lazio in Serie A yesterday.

Parma doctor Donato Villani confirmed: ‘‘Almeyda will be out for at least two to three weeks.’’

Almeyda’s absence means coach Marcelo Bielsa may pair Manchester United’s Juan Sebastian Veron with Boca Juniors’ promising youngster Juan Roman Riquelme in the centre of the park.

Veron arrived yesterday evening after United’s 2-0 win over Charlton, while Real Zaragoza striker Luciano Galletti and Sporting Lisbon defender Facundo Quiroga were expected to turn up today.