Mexico's Rafael Marquez has returned to training after injuring his right leg last week.
Boost for Mexico as key player shrugs off injury
Rafael Marquez has trained with the rest of the Mexico squad for the first time since injuring his right leg in last week's friendly against Italy.
There had been fears over the Barcelona player's fitness ahead of the World Cup after he picked up a problem in the confidence-boosting 2-1 victory and was taken off at half-time.
But Marquez is now available again and joined in with training on Monday, marking Mexico's first practice session with every player present since the team arrived in South Africa a few days ago.
The 31-year-old has made his name as a centre-back but has been deployed as a defensive shield in the heart of midfield in a number of El Tri's warm-up games.
Manager Javier Aguirre seems to have settled on a 4-3-3 formation with Marquez alongside fellow ball-winners Gerardo Torrado and Efrain Juarez, leaving competition for places in the wide areas and up front.
Guardado hope
Deportivo La Coruna winger Andres Guardado suddenly finds his spot under threat despite playing a key role in qualification.
Guardado admits he is desperate to line up in the opening game of the tournament against hosts South Africa but will respect any decision Aguirre makes.
"I want to play and anyone who says he is happy on the bench is lying," said Guardado.
"I'm ambitious and I want to show what I can do. Not wanting to be on the bench is normal for any player who wants to win.
"I have no problem with Javier. I respect him and if he thinks it's better others play, I will support them on and off the pitch."
