QUITO, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Uncapped teenager Allen Obando has been included in Ecuador's squad for friendlies against Guatemala and Italy in the United States, the South American country's football federation said on Thursday.

Obando, 17, has been a revelation at youth level, scoring four goals in nine appearances for Ecuador's U-17 team.

The striker, who is currently contracted to Ecuadorean top-flight side Barcelona SC, has been linked with Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.

As expected, Ecuador manager Felix Sanchez recalled veteran forward Enner Valencia and defender Pervis Estupinan, both of whom missed the team's World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Chile in November because of injury.

The 28-man squad also includes Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie and Ipswich Town's Jeremy Sarmiento.

Ecuador will meet Guatemala on March 21 and Italy three days later. Both matches will be played at New Jersey's Red Bull Arena, the home of Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls. Enditem

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