Berizzo promises swift return

RC Celta de Vigo's Argentinian international defender Eduardo Berizzo is still hopeful of playing in the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals despite breaking his ankle during the 1-0 win at RCD Mallorca on Saturday.

Doctor comments
The 32-year-old centre-back, who made one appearance during his country's qualifying campaign, sustained the injury when he landed awkwardly after tangling with Mallorca striker Alberto Luque. Celta club doctor Mario Galan said that the injury would almost certainly rule the player out for the rest of the Spanish season and for the World Cup.

'I'll never lose hope'
However, the player himself said: "My morale is strong and I am going to try and get over this setback as soon as I can. I haven't yet ruled out the chance of going to the World Cup and although it puts the brakes on my preparations I am not going to throw in the towel or lose hope, however remote the chances might be."

Tough draw
Argentina have been drawn alongside England, Nigeria and Sweden in Group F in the World Cup finals which start in Korea/Japan in May.