ARG – Puerta eyes return to Argentina after knee surgery

PERUGIA (Olympics) - Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez has got real concerns about his backcourt heading into the Olympics with emerging playmaker Antonio Puerta uncertain if he will recover in time from a knee operation.

Puerta, a reserve in last year’s silver-medal winning side at the FIBA Americas Championship, had a ligament injury and went under the knife on March 14.

Hernandez had it confirmed last week that veteran guard Pepe Sanchez had decided to retire from the national team.

"The doctors are very good and I feel well,” Puerta said.

“They are telling me that everything is going perfect and that the recovery period will be less than expected.

“I have a lot of confidence. I am sad that Pepe has retired, but now that the chances of playing at the Olympics are greater, I will do everything possible to be there."

The 24-year-old Puerta suffered the ligament injury on February 23. He is hoping to be able to be available on July 2, in time for the preparation for Olympics.

He is currently recovering in Perugia, Italy.

FIBA