Having missed out on the World Cup and clearly being no part of Alejandro Sabella’s plans the return of Carlos Tevez to the Argentina squad appears to be closer than ever. Gerardo Martino had already left several strong hints that Tevez was under consideration but AFA vice-president Juan Carlos Crespi has confirmed that the AFA are handling the visa to enter China for El Apache ahead of next month’s friendlies.

The visa process needs to be completed by Friday and so although Martino’s final squad had not been named it is a clear indication that Tevez will return to the group. Under Sabella, Tevez was never considered despite his blistering form in Italy and it is understood that his form for the national side and his impact on the dynamic of the group went against him.

Tevez has started the new season in the same form for Juventus and one can assume that Martino has discussed this with captain, Lionel Messi and vice-captain, Javier Mascherano. If Tevez is to be reincluded then it is supposed that both players have informed Tata that they have no issue.

This week Martino will have 35 players available and then this will be cut to between 22 and 25 but all paper work for the tour to China needs to be completed this week ahead of the departure on October 4th.

Argentina will play Brazil in Beijing on October 11th and then travel to face Hong Kong on October 14th.