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Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori was one of the first Argentine national team players to arrive in South America for the World Cup Qualifiers.

The 25-year-old spoke to the local media and made sure to say that Lionel Messi’s absence won’t mean much: “We know Leo isn’t here, but Pipita and Kun have recovered, so we have a good quality of players. We need to play these matches in the best way possible.” (via El Regio Deporte)

The Barcelona star is currently out with a muscle injury and is aiming to be ready for the Champions League tie against Manchester City. Kun Aguero will be playing in that match and Funes Mori clearly feels he can be a leader for the Argentina team.

Funes Mori is set to be part of a complete Premier League back five, alongside Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo from Manchester United, plus Pablo Zabaleta and Nicolas Otamendi from Manchester City.

Argentina are facing Peru away on Thursday and Paraguay at home on Tuesday. They are currently in third place on the table, only behind Uruguay, and tied with Brazil on 15 points.

Four national teams get straight qualification for the World Cup, and the fifth place goes to the play-offs stage.

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