Jared Borgetti will be the given the final say in whether he will face Argentina in the second phase here on Saturday.

The Bolton striker is on the mend after missing Mexico's previous two matches against Angola and Portugal because of a nagging thigh injury.

Borgetti's presence could be a vital factor as they prepare to face one of the tournament favourites.

While his first season at the Reebok Stadium was disappointing his record in World Cup qualifiers was anything but.

Nobody scored more than Borgetti - 14 was his tally - and how Mexico need him.

Coach Ricardo La Volpe complained after the team lost to Portugal they were not taking advantage of clear cut chances.

La Volpe's backroom staff trust the experienced Borgetti to be honest with them concerning his fitness.

General manager Guillermo Cantu said: "He is quite well and improving day by day.

"I cannot say he is 100% fit and cured because it is the player who has the last word.

"The player himself is the best doctor and he is aware of when he is fully fit to play."

Argentina could be without defender Nicolas Burdisso as he twisted his lateral knee ligament in the draw against Holland.

Fabricio Coloccini is standing by to replace him as the two-time champions look to advance to the quarter finals.

Goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri is looking forward to the next test.

"Now the best of the World Cup comes, " he said. "We are ready for the challenge.

"We have a great squad. We made a lot of changes against Holland and we kept on working the same way.

"We must go on like this but I do like the way Mexico play."

Midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who scored one of the goals of the tournament in the defeat of Serbia and Montenegro, believes they are going along nicely.

He said: "We are winning the respect of our rivals and that is important.

"Maybe we did not defeat Holland but it was still a positive performance.

"Mexico will be very tough rivals because we know them a lot as we have faced each other over the years."