Argentina’s Walter Samuel and Juan-Sebastian Veron have recovered from their respective injuries to be available for selection in the Albiceleste defence and midfield against Greece.

Veron has had a calf problem since arriving in South Africa, while Walter Samuel strained a thigh muscle early in Argentina’s 4-1 win over South Korea last Thursday. Samuel said of his injury: “Luckily it’s not a pull so I hope to return as soon as possible.

“In the healthy competition we have in this squad, no-one wants to lose his place.”

Coach Diego Maradona will have one enforced change to make, however, with Jonas Gutierrez suspended for this third match, having received yellow cards in each of the first two.

Maradona is expected to pick Ariel Garce, a more natural defender, to replace Gutierrez. He may also rest left-back Gabriel Heinze and holding midfielder Javier Mascherano, both of whom would miss the first knock-out stage if they are cautioned against the Greeks.

Estudiantes de la Plata defender Clemente Rodriguez played as a left-back in the most recent Argentine training game, and may replace Heinze, while Fiorentina’s Mario Bolatti could be captain Mascherano’s stand-in.

Argentina need a point from the Greece game to win Group B.