Red Devil
25-05-2006, 11:11 PM
Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze came through his first piece of competitive action since suffering a serious knee injury last September. The rampaging full back played 45 minutes for Argentina against their Under-20 side and showed no ill effects during the 4-0 win. The contest was the last action for Argentina before they head to their training camp in Europe and coach Jose Pekerman will have been thrilled to see Heinze prove his fitness. Heinze suffered cruciate ligament damage in a UEFA Champions League match with Villarreal last year and at the time it was feared he may miss the World Cup.
Heinze has adhered to a stringent rehabilitation programme and he was rewarded with a 45-minute run out on Wednesday. Pekerman received a second boost during the game as Barcelona schemer Lionel Messi made his comeback from injury in the game.
Although the result mattered little, Pekerman's charges found their form after the break as Rodrigo Palacio fired home a hat-trick and Javier Saviola was also on target as they secured a 4-0 win.
Heinze has adhered to a stringent rehabilitation programme and he was rewarded with a 45-minute run out on Wednesday. Pekerman received a second boost during the game as Barcelona schemer Lionel Messi made his comeback from injury in the game.
Although the result mattered little, Pekerman's charges found their form after the break as Rodrigo Palacio fired home a hat-trick and Javier Saviola was also on target as they secured a 4-0 win.