May 12, 2002

Argentina forward Claudio Caniggia has become more optimistic about his chances of overcoming a knee injury and going to the World Cup.

The Rangers veteran aggravated a knee injury when he clashed with Chris Sutton during the Scottish Cup final win over Celtic.

But initial fears that he had torn ligaments proved unfounded after Caniggia was examined by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa and team doctor Donato Villani in Rome.

"My injury is not as serious as I thought it was," said Caniggia, who hopes to be involved in World Cup group matches against England, Sweden and Nigeria.

"I feel very well after seeing Doctor Gianni Nanni and I'm very confident of regaining my best shape.

"I guess that, in three or four weeks, I will be at 90% of my capabilities."

The latest examination showed Caniggia had suffered a heavy knock that caused severe inflammation.

"I've been working five or six hours a day since I arrived in Italy," he said.

Caniggia is now battling to be fit for the opening group game with Nigeria on 2 June, but the mouthwatering showdown with England on 7 June is a more realistic target.

The Rangers forward had already been named in a preliminary 12-man squad named by coach Marcelo Bielsa on Monday.

Bologna team doctor Gianni Nanni believes he "will have recovered before the beginning of the World Cup".

Bielsa decided to name his squad in two stages, beginning with players whose club commitments are over, and Caniggia is the most notable inclusion.

It is an extraordinary return to international favour for the veteran striker who shot to fame at the 1990 World Cup and won his 50th cap in a friendly against Cameroon in March.

Caniggia is desperate to have one last World Cup finals experience and his team will start as tournament favourites.

Other inevitable inclusions in the final squad, such as Manchester United's Juan Sebastian Veron, will be named once the Premiership season is over.

"I believe it is prudent not to name players still in competition," Bielsa added.

"We have until 21 May to complete the final squad. I'm not going to call more than 23 players before then."

Other players who will join Caniggia for the start of Argentina's World Cup training camp in Rome are Ariel Ortega and Claudio Husain, of River Plate.

BBC Sports Online