Santa Cruz under the knife
ByReuters
Published 15/11/2005 at 14:46 GMT
Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz has undergone a knee operation in the United States and should be fit to play again in April 2006, team doctor Osvaldo Pangrazio said in a radio interview. The Bayern Munich striker is facing a race to be ready in time fo
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
The striker suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury to his right leg during the Bundesliga match against Cologne on October 29.
"The most important thing now is the healing process in the next four to six weeks," said Pangrazio, who was present during the operation.
"In January, he can began muscle-strengthening exercises and in March, the first light running and exercises."
Santa Cruz, who has 11 goals in 40 internationals, has already said that he is not going to rush his recovery so that he can play in the World Cup which starts on June 9.
"As far as the medical side goes, he will be ready in time, " said Pangrazio. "I think he'll be ready to play again in April .
"The psychological and footballing side is another matter and, in that respect, time is going to be very short."
Paraguay's players dedicated their win to Santa Cruz when they beat Macedonia 1-0 on Sunday to win a four-team tournament in Iran.
Mexican-based Salvador Cabanas or veteran striker Jose Cardozo would be the favourites to partner Nelson Haedo Valdez in attack if Santa Cruz cannot play at the World Cup.
Twenty-two-year old Dante Lopez is another option and staked his claim by scoring three goals in two games in Iran.
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