Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago ruptured knee ligaments but demanded to play on to help World Cup fight
Boca Juniors star suffered nightmare injury in Russia 2018 qualifier against Peru but still tried to persuade medics to let him continue playing despite the pain
ARGENTINA star Fernando Gago ruptured his knee ligaments but still pleaded to play on to help his country's desperate fight to qualify for the World Cup.
A goalless draw against Peru means Argentina are now sixth in qualifying and needing to beat Ecuador in their final match just to secure a play-off place.
But Boca Juniors midfielder Gago was so keen to do his beat for the cause he wanted to carry on playing despite suffering serious injury to his right knee.
Gago, making his first international appearance since 2015, had only been on the pitch for six minutes when he went down injured.
While the reaction of his team-mates, who were visibly upset, hinted at a nasty injury Gago did everything he could to stay on the pitch.
The 31-year-old, playing in front of his home crowd, even demanded the physios to strap his knee up and get him back on.
But Gago was unable to continue and had to be withdrawn for Enzo Perez while fighting back tears.
After the game tests revealed the player had torn anterior and medial cruciate ligaments - an injury that will need surgery to repair.
He also now faces at least six months out of action before he is able to resume training again.
Gago's injury was yet another blow for Argentina who now find themselves in serious danger of failing to qualify for the World Cup next summer.
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They have to travel to altitude to play against Ecuador on Wednesday knowing if they fail to win they are almost certain to miss out on qualification.
A point will only be enough for a play-off spot if fifth placed Peru are beaten by fourth placed Colombia the day before.
A Peru win will mean Argentina need to beat Ecuador to snatch the play-off spot from Colombia - where they will go head-to-head with New Zealand for a place in the World Cup.
