MERCADO FEELING POSITIVE FOR HIS WORLD CUP FITNESS

Gabriel Mercado could not finish his Sevilla FC season on the field, owing to a back injury picked up in the Gran Derbi. However, a severe injury has been ruled out and, in fact, Jorge Sampaoli has included him in his 23-man squad to travel to Russia for the World Cup. The defender, who is now training with the Argentina national side, spoke to Argentinian media about his fitness: "I'm fine, very happy how everything's developing. I'm happy to make a big effort today and to see a good response. I'm at the disposition of the manager and the medical team, if they feel I can train tomorrow, or whenever they tell me". 

He also talked about the doubts that come along with getting injured before such a big competition: "I've been a bit anxious because you come here and want to train with your teammates. I'm not used to these situations. I come off the back of a long year of a lot of matches, I tried to do my best to recover and I'm glad I feel good".

Photo: www.afa.com.ar