Veron's Argentina comeback thwarted by injury

BUENOS AIRES, Apr 17 (Reuters) Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron's Argentina comeback has been delayed after he pulled out of tomorrow'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 headquarter yesterday afternoon.

''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.

Argentine 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, who has won 56 caps and scored nine goals, was given a hostile reception during a World Cup qualifier against Chile in Buenos Aires the following year.

He was not picked at all by Jose Pekerman, who was in charge from 2004 until the last World Cup.

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.

REUTERS TB RK0958