Riquelme was troubled by a calf injury for much of last year and the 30-year-old is keen to sit out the unofficial tournament as he seeks to regain full fitness ahead of his country's match in Marseille on February 11.

Should Riquelme sit out the Summer Tournament in Mar del Plata he will also miss the derby match against River Plate, but the midfielder insisted his Argentina ambitions were more important at this stage of the year.

"I am working hard on the physical side. I still have not touched a ball but that does not matter because I pick up the football pace quickly," Riquelme told Del Plata radio station.

"I want to be ready for the national squad match (against France). I think more about that game than the derby.

"I do not know if I am going to play against River. Today I am only thinking about my training, and making sure I start the Clausura in my best shape and to also be with the national squad in France. That are my priorities."