Shortly before the Argentine Federation announced a list of 22 foreign-based professional players summoned for the friendlies against Spain and Italy, Chelsea goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero stated that he would be delighted to be named on the roster.

For four years, Caballero has not been called up to the Argentine team and the 36-year-old confessed that he lost hope that he would be considered for a recall by manager Jorge Luis Sampaoli.

''It would be an immense joy if I get called up. I feel like I gave up when I played regularly last season at City and I think I keep the level now when it's my turn to play at Chelsea, it would be a dream to be named,'' Willy Caballero told Ole Argentina.

''With Pekerman and Martino I could not play a single minute in the National Team, I hope this time I can have the pleasure and get the thorn out.''

Despite being number two in Antonio Conte's pecking order of goalkeepers at Chelsea, Caballero thinks he stands a good chance of making Argentina's 23-man World Cup roster, pointing out that Manchester United's Romero is not first choice at his club.

''It is difficult to measure and it is very relative. Look at Chiquito, who has not been a starter in his club for a while and nevertheless has been a starter in the national team for several years,'' added Willy.

Nigeria will meet Argentina for the fifth time in the group stage of the World Cup at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018.

Caballero was in goal in the final of the 2001 Fifa U20 World Cup, posting a shutout in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Ghana, and won a gold medal at the Olympic Games three years later.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com