Hammers central defender Fabian Balbuena was an unused sub as Paraguay were left hovering on the brink of Copa America elimination after being beaten 1-0 by Colombia in Group B yesterday (Sunday).
Paraguay needed a win to guarantee a quarter-final place following draws against Qatar and Argentina to kick-off their campaign, but a 31st minute goal from Gustavo Cuellar was enough to make it three wins from three for Colombia.
Paraguay ended in third place and need a draw in Monday’s Group C clash between Japan and Ecuador to make progress as one of the two best third-place sides.
Should that result go their way, Paraguay would take on host nation Brazil in Porto Alegre on Thursday night.
ClaretandHugh says: With no disrespect whatsoever to The General and Paraguay we are left hoping that our central defender misses and thus remains injury free for the game later this week. After four months out in the winter we want absolutely no threats to a player who has become pretty critical at the back alongside Issa Diop. Internatiional duty at this time of the year is always a worry and with the players due to return in a couple of weeks Fabian is sue a holiday and a rest which would set him up nicely for pre-season. Obviously the same is true of Pablo Fornals who has been in outstanding form for Spain under 21s and who will be due at Rush Green around about mid July. The midfielder has been in outstanding form thus far this summer and with the glut of injuries we suffered last season fingers are heavily crossed for fit and healthy returns this time around.