After almost seven years since his last cap, controversial River Plate playmaker Ariel Ortega will don the Albiceleste in a friendly match against Haiti next week in the province of Neuquen.

The former Newell's and Fenerbahce man is poised to do well alongside former national team teammate and current coach Diego Maradona although he is realistic of his possibilities of being part of the 23-man roster for the World Cup.

This is true for most of the call ups as with the exception of Boca Juniors all-time leading scorer Martín Palermo, teammate Luciano Monzón and Independiente goalkeeper Adrián Gabbarini.  Maradona will use an entirely domestic team that will exclude players from teams that will also be participating in the Copa Libertadores midweek.   For Gabbarini, it could be a final opportunity to impress El Diego for a spot on the squad as the third keeper in South Africa.  

During his time with the national team Ortega was capped 87 times and scored 17 goals while forming part of the team in three World Cups. 

For Ortega, things are slowly coming around for him.  A few days ago, he signed an exclusive rights image contract with El Angelito Producciones and this call-up could be important in helping focus on the big picture.  He was a starter on Friday when River Plate defeated Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 and he is getting back into the swing of things after suffering a relapse a few weeks ago. 

Meanwhile Haiti found themselves in San Antonio preparing for this friendly as they faced college and professional teams from the Texas area in preparations for their May 5th clash.

Goalkeepers: Diego Pozo (Colón), Adrian Gabbarini (Independiente)

Defenders: Matias Caruzzo (Argentinos Juniors), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Ariel Garcé (Colón), Paolo Goltz (Huracán), Luciano Monzón (Boca Juniors)

Midfielders: Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Patricio Toranzo (Huracan), Nicolás Olmedo (Godoy Cruz), Sebastian Blanco (Lanús), Leonel Vangioni (Newell's Old Boys), Facundo Bertoglio (Colon)

Forwards: Ariel Ortega (River Plate), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Franco Jara (Arsenal), Juan Pablo Pereyra (Atletico Tucumán).

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