Veron could return for Argentina

21 June 2010 22:09

Argentina coach Diego Maradona will be able to call on Juan Veron against Greece after the midfielder recovered from a calf problem.

Defender Walter Samuel is struggling with a thigh problem and may not be risked, whilst Newcastle's Jonas Gutierrez is suspended so Nicolas Otamendi could deputise at right-back.

Greece are likely to be unchanged as they have no injuries or suspensions to deal with.

Otto Rehhagel admits his team's chances against the South Americans are slim but, considering some of the shock results so far at this World Cup, the veteran German coach has not given up hope.

"Every player has to play 110% and the game starts at 0-0," he said.

"We have a chance and at the end I hope we don't say we have missed an opportunity.

"We will try to find the right way to hold our own in the individual positions to provide resistance.

"We will just see how we are going to stand up against the Argentinians."

Despite being on the cusp of qualification, Maradona is keen to distance himself from the hype surrounding Argentina's perfect start to the World Cup.

Wins against Nigeria and South Korea have put Maradona's men in pole position in Group B, but the former Napoli striker knows there is a long way to go.

Source: PA