Santa Cruz out of Paraguay’s qualifier

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ASUNCION: Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz is out of today’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina because of a left ankle injury.
“I wanted to recover, but it proved very difficult,” Santa Cruz said Thursday as he left a local gym after an exercise session.
“In spite of the help by doctors, I won’t play unless I’m 100 percent in my physical condition. Years ago, I would play even if injured but I will no longer go through that suffering.”
Santa Cruz was hurt playing for Blackburn in the Premier League at the weekend.
Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas has a right thigh injury and is also out.
Other players did not appear too worried over the absence of the forwards, with striker Nelson Haedo Valdes claiming Paraguay will still play attacking football against Argentina.
“The time when we would play defensively, hanging from the crossbar, is over,” he said.
Coach Gerardo Martino confirmed he plans to use three forwards today – Haedo Valdez, Dante Lopez and Oscar Cardozo.
Paraguay lead the South American World Cup qualifying group with 13 points, followed by Argentina with 11