World Cup 2010: Oscar Cardozo Is A Serious Doubt For Paraguay

The Benfica forward is unable to kick a ball due to an ankle injury, and Guarani officials admit to being worried by the situation.

Paraguay forward Oscar Cardozo is a serious injury doubt for the Guaranies, a squad official told Ultima Hora on Wednesday.

The Benfica star, who used to play for Newell's Old Boys of Argentina is struggling with an ankle injury, and it is feared that it may keep him out for the duration of the World Cup.

Cardozo has not yet been able to train normally in South Africa, and he passed yesterday's sessions without going near a football. Paraguayan selection director Horacio Cartes confirmed the seriousness of the injury in an interview with the Paraguayan newspaper.

"Cardozo cannot kick a football. The injury is much more serious than was previously thought and it's a worry."

If Cardozo is forced out the attacking responsibility will pass to Manchester City man Roque Santa Cruz and Dortmund's Lucas Barrios, who are expected to line up against Italy in Paraguay's first group game.