Santa Cruz ruled out of double-header

Roque Santa Cruz has been ruled out of Paraguay’s World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay because of a knee injury.

The Blackburn striker is expected to be out of action for two weeks with national coach, Gerardo Martino, drafting in Cerro Porteno forward Jorge Achucarro as a replacement.

Paraguay team doctor, Manuel Aguilar, explained: “It’s tendinitis in the knee. He has had an MRI scan which confirmed the injury and, as it will be impossible for him to get over it in time, we talked to his club’s doctors about continuing his recovery in England.”

Nelson Valdez is also struggling with injury but the Borussia Dortmund striker is being closely monitored ahead of the clash with Peru.

“He has a shoulder injury but it’s less painful and perhaps he can play with a little pain,” Aguilar said.

Paraguay face the Peruvians on Saturday before meeting Uruguay four days later.