Source: Team_Talk
Santa Cruz eyes Rovers return
The Paraguay international has stayed at home to continue his rehabilitation after withdrawing from the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Ecuador in the next week.[LNB]Santa Cruz has been struggling with tendonitis in his knees and played his last match in the goalless draw at home to Everton on March 4.[LNB]However, he believes he is progressing well and has targeted the visit of Tottenham on April 4 for a comeback.[LNB]"It is going better, I have been working hard in the gym to get the strength back to the leg and I have been playing a lot with pain in my knees," he said.[LNB]"Now that is getting really good and hopefully I can get back to 100% in the next game.[LNB]"The idea is to be fit for the Tottenham game. That is why I have not been involved and why me, the club and Paraguay decided not to travel to the international games so I can concentrate on the rehabilitation."[LNB]Santa Cruz was Blackburn's top scorer last season with 23 goals in all competitions but injury problems have restricted him to just six this campaign.[LNB]Strong interest from Manchester City in the January transfer window was also a distraction for the player.[LNB]But with Rovers just two points above the relegation zone Santa Cruz is ready to re-join the scrap for survival.[LNB]"Of course it has been frustrating. It has always been hard not to play, especially when we need everyone ready for the situation we are in," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.[LNB]"I am desperate to play these games and to do my best to help Blackburn stay up and that is why I am focused on getting my rehabilitation right so that I can get fit and play at top form."[LNB]The Paraguayan said results now take precedent over everything else with just eight matches of the season to go.[LNB]"We have had enough performances where we should be winning games so now is the time to get the points whatever," he added.[LNB]"We just need to keep working the same."[LNB]Midfielder Aaron Mokoena believes the squad, who have lost once in their last five league matches, cannot allow the enforced break for internationals affect their form.[LNB]The 28-year-old is away with South Africa but he said when all the players return ahead of the Spurs match they must pick up where they left off.[LNB]"We have to come back with the same spirit. We have a fantastic team, we are professionals and can come back and keep that momentum going," he told Rovers World.[LNB]"The belief is there among the boys, we will go out there and put our bodies on the line."[LNB][LNB][LNB] Blackburn 13/8, Tottenham 17/10, Draw 9/4
