 Cardozo could have made an impact from the bench for Paraguay |
England's Group B opponents Paraguay have been hit with the news that striker Jose Cardozo has been forced to pull out of their World Cup squad. The 35-year-old sustained a knock in the friendly with German regional side Bavaria last weekend and scans have confirmed he tore a calf muscle.
Although not expected to start against England on Saturday, Cardozo was his country's leading scorer in qualifying.
Genoa forward Dante Lopez has been called up to replace him.
Lopez, who used to play for Paraguayan giants Olimpia, is flying from Italy to Oberhaching to join up with the squad.
Cardozo scored seven goals during Paraguay's qualifying campaign and his absence will reduce coach Anibal Ruiz's options from the bench.
Ruiz already has concerns over star striker Roque Santa Cruz, although he is expected to recover from a knee injury.
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