Cardozo a worry for Paraguay

Oscar Cardozo is a fitness worry for Paraguay with just four days to go before their World Cup opener against Italy in Cape Town.

The Benfica marksman was included in Gerardo Tata Martino’s squad after an impressive season for Benfica in which he bagged 36 goals in all competitions.

However, the 27-year-old has failed to completely recover from an ankle injury sustained against Sporting Lisbon back in April.

Cardozo has been training separately from the team and could be ruled out for the group stages.

Paraguay technical director Horacio Cartes said: “Cardozo’s injury is more serious than what we thought and we are worried.”

The good news for Albiroja is that Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz trained with the rest of his teammates having shaken off a knee knock.