Argentina winger a doubt for World Cup

Jose Maria Nunez Piossek faces an anxious wait to see if he is fit to play at the World Cup after suffering a groin injury during Saturday’s warm-up victory over a Belgium XV.

Piossek will undergo tests to determine the severity of the problem but admits if a muscle tear is detected his World Cup hopes will be over.

He told La Nacion newspaper: “The worst that can happen is a tear or something that obliges me to take a three-week rest.

“If it happens, I will have to go away and give my place to another team-mate. I am not selfish and I want the best for the team.

“It hurts a bit, but I can walk, so I think it’s positive. Maybe it’s a tendon stretch not a muscle problem.”

The Bayonne winger has been plagued by injuries in recent months after also tearing cruciate ligaments in his right knee last November.

Gonzalo Longo is another worry for the Pumas after being forced to sit out the 36-8 weekend victory due to a thigh problem.

However, it is thought his ailment is not as serious as Piossek’s and he will be fit for the France showpiece.