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Aguero backs Demichelis WC recall

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Agüero fit for World Cup (0:13)

Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero, 25, confirmed he has recovered from a groin injury in time for Argentina's opening game at the World Cup. (0:13)

Sergio Aguero believes Manchester City teammate Martin Demichelis has earned his recall to the Argentina squad.

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Demichelis has not represented his country since 2011 but was named in Alex Sabella's provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup this summer.

The centre-back, who joined City from Atletico Madrid last year, endured a difficult start to his time at the Etihad Stadium and was heavily criticised after conceding a penalty and being sent off in the Champions League defeat to Barcelona in February.

However, he was in fine form for the last few of months of the season to help his side regain the Premier League title, and fellow Argentina international Aguero is pleased to see him back in the international fold.

"It was no surprise that he was called up for playing in this World Cup, I think he has earned his position," Aguero told reporters.

"He had been criticised, in particular because of the play against Lionel Messi in the match against Barcelona, but it is understandable. He wasn't so confident then after starting to play in the English league.

"In the last three or four months, he has been playing very well and adapted, and I think that is why he was called up and earned his place in the team."

Demichelis has won 37 caps and was in the Argentina squad for the 2010 World Cup, but was dropped after making a mistake against Bolivia in 2011.

Aguero, who has scored 21 goals in 47 appearances for his country, is also in Sabella's squad.