Ruiz positive on Santa Cruz
26 May 2006 - 07:15:51
Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz expects star striker Roque Santa Cruz to recover from a knee injury in time to play in his side's World Cup opener against England on June 10.
The Bayern Munich frontman missed much of the Bundesliga season because of the problem and also had to sit out Paraguay's 2-2 friendly draw against Norway on Wednesday.
That led to rumours suggesting Santa Cruz would not be fit for the start of the finals, but Ruiz said: "I'm sure he'll be able to play. But we won't hurry as we want him to play the whole World Cup."
Paraguay also have fitness worries over Julio Cesar Caceres, Carlos Paredes and Denis Caniza.
Ruiz added: "We'll see what the doctors say. But we want them to get to the World Cup in perfect condition. We know what they can give to us."