Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz will not feature in Paraguay’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Saturday due to his injury.

Santa Cruz suffered an ankle injury during Blackburn's 4-1 defeat to West Ham last Saturday and has not managed to recover in time for the qualifier.

"I wanted to recover, but it proved very difficult," said Santa Cruz.

"In spite of help by doctors, I won't play unless I'm 100 per cent in my physical condition. Years ago, I would play even if injured but I will no longer go through that suffering."