ARG - Nocioni twists knee but will play on

SENDAI (FIBA World Championship) - Argentina forward Andres Nocioni twisted his knee playing against Venezuela on Monday, but will be able to feature in Wednesday`s game against Nigeria, the team doctor has revealed.

The Chicago Bulls star was hurt when he tripped over the foot of Venezuela center Alejandro Barrios during the third quarter of Argentina`s 96-54 win.

Argentina have a rest day on Tuesday, and team doctor Diego Grippo expects Nocioni to be ready to go on Wednesday.

"It`s a slight twist of the left knee," Grippo told the Argentinian Basketball Confederation`s official website.

"The injury was in the collateral ligament and he can get over it in a short time.

"He will have a 48-hour rest and he will take painkillers and undergo physiotherapy. An x-ray is not necessary because the injury doesn`t demand it."

Grippo added: "Tomorrow (Tuesday) we'll see how he responds to the treatment. If he does it well, as we expect, he will be ready to play some minutes against Nigeria."

Coach Sergio Hernandez confirmed he expects to have Nocioni available.

"Doctors told me that after the rest day he will be able to play the next game," he said. "Don`t worry, he`ll be back."

Ian Parker
FIBA