Lugano doubtful for Uruguay semi-final
Reuters - Sunday 04 July 2010, 15:45
JOHANNESBURG - Uruguay's captain and
inspirational defender Diego Lugano may not be able to shake off
a knee injury in time for the South Americans' World Cup
semi-final against Netherlands, he said on Sunday.
"It's complicated because the time between one match and
another is very short," said Lugano, who limped off after
damaging a right knee ligament during Uruguay's quarter-final
win over Ghana.
Lugano's absence would be another blow to "La Celeste", who
will also miss striker Luis Suarez in Tuesday's match in Cape
Town. He is serving a one-match ban for handling the ball on the
line against Ghana in the last moments of extra time.
Defender Jorge Fucile also misses the semi-final after
picking up a second yellow card, and midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro
is out after fracturing a bone in his fight foot.
Speaking at a chaotic session with several hundred
journalists, Lugano said he had not given up hope and had been
able to do some light practice on Sunday.
"I was lucky enough to train and run in a straight line
without pain, which is good news because it's only 48 hours
since I was injured," he said.
"Now we'll have to wait until the last minute. The pain is
not what matters, the point is to be 100 percent ready for a
match of this level and be honest with my teammates and country.
Tomorrow I will evaluate if I'm OK or not."
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