Heinze assures that he is fit enough (24 May 2006 23:15 GMT)
Gabriel Heinze has assuaged doubts as to his aptitude for a World Cup after persistent problems with the player's left knee had seen him spend a large chunk of the 2005-6 season in dry dock.
"I've already got over the injury and am working hard every single day to make sure that I'm up to speed with the rest of my team-mates and our opponents in the World Cup," explained the Manchester United man.
After partially breaking his cruciate ligament eight months ago, the Argentinean felt that he would surely miss out on Germany, but he's made a rapid recovery to the extent that Pekerman didn't bat an eyelid when he inclined towards the skilful defender.
"You have to take your time with these things (injuries) as if you force it too much you end up losing months of progress, but I'm nearing my peak already", explained the ex-Newell's Old Boys back, still hopeful of forming part of the starting first eleven in the Albiceleste debut against the Ivory Coast.
"As a player you always train for the first eleven, never for the bench. Whatever happens, I'll be there to give whatever the coach feels I can give," Heinze added.
source : Goal.com