Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz is still unsure about his chances of playing in the World Cup qualifying clash with Argentina on Saturday.

The Blackburn star was taken off early in last weekend's Premier League defeat to West Ham with an Achilles problem and although the injury is responding well to treatment, he is still doubtful.

'I still don't know whether I can play against Argentina but the injury is coming on okay,' said Santa Cruz.

'I will keep on running as I did today and hopefully on Friday I can train normally and play football with my team-mates.

'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 (three days later).'

Santa Cruz sees no reason to panic should he not be available, however.

'We have a lot of first-class players who are waiting for their chance,' he added. 'We are not dead without me or Salvador Cabanas (who is also injured).

'Other players have the confidence of the coach too.'