Coloccini returns to Argentina squad for Germany clash

Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini has been handed the chance to revitalise his international career, after being included in the Argentina squad that will take on Germany in August's friendly encounter.

The 30-year-old was the only new face among the 18 foreign-based players called up by Alejandro Sabella for the Albiceleste's latest test, in a list released on the Argentine Football Association's (AFA) official website Tuesday. Coloccini joins Napoli men Federico Fernandez and Hugo Campagnaro and Benfica's Ezequiel Garay in battling for a place in the centre of defence.

Fabricio, who started his career at Boca Juniors and has also played for clubs including AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, has been in the international wilderness since 2010. He formed part of Diego Maradona's squad for the World Cup in South Africa, but had not featured in either successor Sergio Batista nor Sabella's plans following the quarter-final exit.

The rest of the team has a familiar look, based around the side that battled from behind to beat Brazil 4-3 in the Seleccion's last outing. Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero all make the cut, while in midfield Sabella stays faithful to Jose Sosa and Pablo Guinazu, who will both travel to Germany.

The match is scheduled to be played in Frankfurt, on August 15.

Argentina squad to play Germany (Domestic players to be added at a later date):

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Mariano Andujar	Catania
Sergio Romero	Sampdoria
Defenders:
Hugo Campagnaro	Napoli
Fabricio Coloccini	Newcastle
Federico Fernandez	Napoli
Ezequiel Garay	Benfica
Marcos Rojo	Spartak Moscow
Pablo Zabaleta	Manchester City
Midfielders:
Fernando Gago	Valencia
Pablo Guinazu	Internacional
Javier Mascherano	Barcelona
Angel Di Maria	Real Madrid
Jose Sosa	Metalist
Attackers:
Sergio Aguero	Manchester City
Gonzalo Higuain	Real Madrid
Ezequiel Lavezzi	Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi	Barcelona
Eduardo Salvio	Benfica