Veron's Argentina comeback thwarted by injury

Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron's Argentina comeback has been delayed after he pulled out of today's friendly at home to Chile through injury.

Veron, who last played for his country against Colombia in November 2003 and was due to captain the team, was ruled out after being examined by doctors at the team's headquarters.

"It's a shame because Veron was looking forward to the game and really wanted to return to the national team," coach Alfio Basile told reporters.

Argentina have named a squad of inexperienced home-based players for the match in Mendoza at the foot of the Andes, their first home game since the last World Cup.

Veron, 31, was the driving force in the Argentine midfield for several years before falling out of favour.

He was regarded as one of the world's top players until 2002, when Argentina suffered a shock first-round exit at the World Cup and he was widely blamed for their poor performances.

Veron has resurrected his career after returning home to play for Estudiantes last year and inspiring his new team as they won the Apertura championship.