Santa Cruz taking no chances
by Robin Hackett, 06 September 2008
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz insists he will no longer take any chances with injuries.
The 27-year-old suffered an Achilles injury in the 4-1 defeat to West Ham last weekend but had hoped to recover in time to represent Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Saturday night.
However, he insists he will wait for Tuesday’s match against Venezuela if he does not make a full recovery.
“In spite of help by doctors, I won’t play unless I’m 100 percent in my physical condition,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.
“Years ago, I would play even if injured, but I will no longer go through that suffering.”
He added: “I still don't know whether I can play against Argentina but the injury is coming on okay.
“I am not fully fit yet, but the pain is less each day. We'll see how it reacts. If I'm not fine, I'll keep training to play against Venezuela."