Peru recalls midfielder Benavente for friendlies

LIMA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Attacking midfielder Cristian Benavente has been recalled to Peru's squad for friendlies against Croatia and Iceland this month, the Peruvian Football Federation said on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 22 matches for Belgian side Sporting Charleroi this season, has not represented the Blanquirroja since October 2016.

"He has had a great period of continuity and effectiveness," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca told reporters.

"For me this is not a novelty. He was with us previously and now he is back."

Peru will meet Croatia in Miami on March 23 before a clash against Iceland in New Jersey four days later.

As expected, the squad includes Lokomotiv Moscow forward Jefferson Farfan, Sao Paulo midfielder Christian Cueva and Flamengo defender Miguel Trauco.

National team captain Paolo Guerrero will miss the matches due to a doping ban.

The friendlies will be one of the final chances for Gareca to test his squad ahead of the World Cup in Russia, which starts in June.

The Blanquirroja qualified for football's biggest tournament for the first time since 1982 by winning an intercontinental playoff against New Zealand last November. Enditem