The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced yesterday that three players had been called up for Friday's friendly between Angola and Argentina, which will take place in Luanda.

They are Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone, all from Atlético de Madrid.

The reason is that the troupe has not been vaccinated against yellow fever, a mandatory requirement for entry into Angolan territory.

According to the AFA, “[the players] did not arrive on time and in compliance with the health procedures linked to the yellow fever vaccine that they must have in order to enter Angola”.

To round off the casualties, Emiliano Buendía, from Aston Villa (ING), and Kevin Mac Allister - brother of Alexis Mac Allister - who plays for Union SG in Belgium.

The three players' absences add to that of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who was ruled out at the weekend due to a bone swelling in his right knee.

The match against Angola will be Argentina's last game in 2025.