Santa Cruz out of Cup clash

Forward blighted by problem

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 5th September 2008

Roque Santa Cruz 365 Paraguay

Santa Cruz: Injured

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Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz has been ruled out of Paraguay's World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Saturday with an ankle injury.

Striker Santa Cruz picked up the injury during Rovers' defeat to West Ham last Saturday and has not managed to recuperate in time.

"I wanted to recover, but it proved very difficult," said Santa Cruz.

"In spite of help by doctors, I won't play unless I'm 100 per cent in my physical condition. Years ago, I would play even if injured but I will no longer go through that suffering."

Fellow Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas will also miss out with a thigh injury.