Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli insists Sergio Aguero remains a part of the national team set up.

The Manchester City forward was left out of the Argentina squad that will face off against their old rivals, Brazil, in Melbourne on Friday night.

However, the former Sevilla manager, who will take charge of Argentina for the first time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, believes Aguero can remain a force for La Albiceleste.

"Competition in [Aguero's] position is very tough because there are three or four outstanding players.

"We will talk to him and see how he feels. He can be a great contributor for us."

Sampaoli decided to select Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi in front of Aguero, who has scored 33 goals in 82 appearances for Argentina.