Bristol lock Sambucetti in fitness race to face England

Bristol lock Mariano Sambucetti is battling to be fit in time to face England at Twickenham next weekend after a scan showed his ankle injury is more serious than first thought, writes Steve Cotton.

The Argentina forward was recalled by his national team for the autumn series against England, Wales and Scotland – and could win his first cap in four years at Twickenham this time next week.

But his involvement in the match is in doubt as a result of the ankle problem he suffered at Doncaster a fortnight ago.

The 30-year-old did not figure as Bristol beat Coventry 46-28 last weekend – and was ruled out of today's Championship trip to Plymouth.

He will meet up with the Argentina squad in London tomorrow, where his injury will be assessed again.

He said: "I have had a scan, which showed that the injury is a bit more severe than we first thought. But it's nothing that will rule me out for longer than another week.

"If things go well, I should be all right to train on Sunday or Monday – or, at worst, a few days later."

Sambucetti's last appearance for the Pumas came in December 2005 when they surprisingly lost to Samoa in Buenos Aires – and he is determined to feature at some stage during their autumn tour.

"I am still enjoying the moment of being called up to be part of the squad – that alone is a humbling experience," said Sambucetti.

"Whatever you do in life, you want to do it at the highest level and rugby is no different. So it doesn't get any better than representing your country.

"Having been called up again a few years after I won my last cap, I don't want to start getting ahead of myself and thinking, 'Will I play? Will I not play?' You just have to enjoy the fact you have been called up and make the most of the situation.

"But when you look at the venues and the opponents on this tour, they are all very special. It is a great honour and a privilege to be part of this Argentina tour and I just pray that the injury settles down so I can play some part on the field."

And if Sambucetti does get on to the field at Twickenham, the Millennium Stadium or Murrayfield, he will remember the role that Bristol have played in helping him get there.

"When you play for your country, you always want to play well for your family and friends," said Sambucetti.

"But you also think about your club coaches and team-mates – and I appreciate how supportive Bristol have been of me through injuries and so many things.

"It would be great to play and perform well to represent the club at some stage during the tour."