Argentina’s national team manager Alejandro Sabella has stated that he simply could not leave out Manchester city defender Martin Demichelis from the final squad for the World Cup 2014. The national team coach recently named the 23 man squad – from the 30 man provisional squad announced a few weeks ago. A couple of names have been left out in order to accommodate this final team, but Demichelis has not been one of them. The City defender has come under increasing criticism from fans for the perceived poor performances against the top teams like Barcelona and Chelsea.

However, he was a major reason in helping the team win the Premier league title last campaign. He was often a regular fixture at the back, as he is a favourite of manager Manuel Pellegrini. Despite being at the end of his career, Demichelis was brought to City for around £ 4 million. The nation will be holding high hopes about winning the World Cup since most of the players come into the tournament at the prime of their careers. At 27 years of age, Lionel Messi will be hoping to finally lift the title that has been the one major trophy missing from his cabinet.

Argentina, though, have struggled from injuries to key players in the last few months.

“He had a great season in a league that is extremely difficult, competitive and physical. He responded very well, I could not afford to leave him out of the 30 and then we’ll see. He is a wonderful person, he knows he has a chance to make the 23, why not? We have one week to make a final evaluation,” said the Argentina manager before announcing the 23 man squad. Players like Franco di Santo of Werder Bremen failed to make the cut at the final moment.