That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening as Brazil are struggling to recover after a slow start, while Colombia and Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay are dangerous but have had hiccups and Bolivia had won three in a row to thicken the plot in the race for the final

There will be no Lionel Messi for Argentina and no Neymar for Brazil in two decisive rounds of South American World Cup qualifying.

Argentina are set to resume the World Cup Qualifiers without Lionel Messi, and another key player could also miss the match against Uruguay. The World Cup Qualifiers resume this weekend, with Argentina are scheduled to face two of their biggest rivals,