Rugby World Cup 2011: Felipe Contepomi fit for Scotland match
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi is set to return from injury for their must-win World Cup Pool B clash with Scotland in Wellington on Sunday.
Contepomi, 34, suffered a rib injury in the Pumas' 13-9 loss to England and subsequently missed their 43-8 win over Romania.
But after rigorous treatment he has been named at inside centre.
"Today [Friday] I had full-on training. It's not pain free, but I think it worked well," said Contepomi.
"I'm taking pain killers, anti-inflammatories and ice after the training session.
"I had a procedure done by the doctor of the team - a small injection of dextrose, it's glucose, but it's nothing illegal.
"It's just time. We knew it was going to be very tight. Luckily I've rested enough and I was lucky that it healed quickly.
"Hopefully I will be playing if nothing happens in the next 48 hours. Anything can happen in a game, but my idea is to try to play 80 minutes."
Contepomi's inclusion means Martin Rodriguez has been moved to full-back, while Santiago Fernandez remains at fly-half.
Also returning from injury is back-row Julio Farias Cabello, with Alejandro Campos left out of the match-day 22 altogether and Lucas Gonzalez Ambrosino dropping to the replacements' bench.
Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan emphasised the importance of Contepomi and said: "He's the captain. He's important not only as a player, but as the leader of the team.
"He's in good condition to play and it's very important for the Argentina team."
Having already lost to England, Argentina know a win against Scotland is vital to maintain their World Cup challenge.
Winger Horacio Agullo, who was delighted at Contepomi's return, told BBC Scotland: "It is really important for us.
"Contepomi is one of the best players we have and he is the captain for us."
Argentina team to face Scotland:
M Rodriguez, G Camacho, M Bosch, F Contepomi (capt), H Agulla, S Fernandez, N Vergallo; R Roncero, M Ledesma, J Figallo, M Carizza, P Albacete, J Farias Cabello, JM Leguizamon, JM Fernandez Lobbe. Replacements: A Creevy, M Scelzo, M Galarza, G Fessia, A Lalanne, L Gonzalez Amorosino, J Imhoff.
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