Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero admits he is lucky to have escaped with only a broken rib from a recent car crash in the Netherlands.
The Argentina international was ruled out his country's must-win World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador after a taxi in which he was travelling in Amsterdam struck a pillar.
The 29-year-old suffered a broken rib in the incident but the striker admits it could have been an even worse outcome had he not been wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision.
"When I got to the hospital I asked the doctor if I could play for City on the Saturday [against Stoke]. He said, 'I don't believe so'," Aguero told Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports.
"I took a moment to think and realised it's thanks to wearing a seat belt that I'm able to talk about this at all."
Aguero flew back to Manchester for treatment after the incident and was unable to link up with his international team-mates for their crucial qualifier against Ecuador as a result.
However, a hat-trick from Lionel Messi secured Argentina a 3-1 win in Quito on Wednesday night and ensured Jorge Sampaoli's side a spot at next summer's tournament in Russia.