Tevez dropped from Argentina's squad for 2018 World Cup qualifiers

Gerardo Martino has decided to leave Boca Juniors striker and crowd favourite Carlos Tevez off Argentina's 29-man squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia in late March.

The Albiceleste are currently languishing in sixth place in CONMEBOL qualifying, with just five points from four matches.

In place of Tevez is Paulo Dybala, who has yet to make a start for Argentina. Dybala, the 22-year-old sensation for Juventus, could realise his dream of playing alongside his idol, Lionel Messi, in Santiago on March 24 or at home to Bolivia on March 29.

Serie A's top scorer, Gonzalo Higuain, also received a call-up. Higuain has scored 26 goals in 28 league matches to challenge for this year's European Golden Shoe.

Martino elected not to include Tevez because of an apparent loss of form. The 32-year-old has managed just two goals in six league matches with defending champion Boca, which has fallen to sixth place in Group B of the Argentine championship.

''The issue with Carlos also has to do with Boca. It isn't only because of him. It is a complex situation at Boca,'' Martino told radio station Rivadavia on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Here's a complete list of the squad selected by Martino:

(Courtesy: Seleccion Argentina)