Pumas forward hoping to recover in time for World Cup

Argentina back row forward Lucas Ostiglia is confident he will recover in time to play in this year’s World Cup.

Ostiglia has not been able to train properly with his team-mates, either on their recent training camp in Pensacola, Florida or their current one in Buenos Aires, because of a knee injury.

“When we were in Pensacola I had a little problem,” said 31-year-old Ostiglia to Argentinian newspaper Ole.

“One of the stitches opened and I couldn’t train normally.

“I was running again but then I had to rest and I only got better after we came back.”

Now Ostiglia is determined to persuade coach Marcelo Loffreda he will be fit for the tournament in France.

“From next week I’m going to do some hard work, but step by step,” he said.

“Time is not on my side, but I’m doing my best to be ready. I know that the coaches are going to wait for me but I need to be fully recovered.”

Ostiglia underwent surgery on the knee on June 13 after ending the season with French club side Agen.

He added: “The doctors told me that in two weeks I could play again, but that depends on Loffreda.

“My last game was in May and I am confident that I’m going to regain my pace quickly.”