With a lot of anticipation and several months to go for the Copa America Venezuela 2007, Argentina started training this morning with a group of players from the local league.

Out of the 21 players called up (see previous posts to check out the names), there were a few that couldn´t make for different reasons.

Boca Juniors forward Rodrigo PALACIO is injured (fractured toe) and José SOSA has flown to Germany to finalise the details of his contract with Bayern Munich (he´ll start playing for the Bavarian giants in June).

Apart from them, several players that are involved in Copa Libertadores matches this week in which River Plate will face Caracas FC (so CARRIZO, FERRARI, TUZZIO, PONZIO and BELLUSCHI were not part of the first training session).

Here are some comments from Coco BASILE at today´s press conference:

“As soon as the Clausura tournament is over, my players will come and stay with me here (at Ezeiza´s AFA head-quarters) until it´s time to go and play the Copa America.

“I’ve got 40 players in mind to face all the next challenges we’ve got in the next few months.

“I watch every game every player of the players I have into consideration. No matter where they play in the World.

“We’ll do everything we can to try and win the Copa America.

“RIQUELME is not in the list right now, but the doors are open for him and for every player who plays in a good and consistent level.”