ASUNCION, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cerro Porteno right-back Alberto Espinola and Gremio midfielder Mathias Villasanti have been ruled out of Paraguay's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Argentina due to injury, head coach Daniel Garnero said on Wednesday.

Both players will be rested for Thursday's match at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires because of unspecified leg muscle problems.

"They probably would have been prepared to take the risk [to play] but we prefer to give them some more time to see if they will be available for the next game," Garnero told reporters.

Following Thursday's match, Garnero and his players will turn their attention to the team's next qualifier against Bolivia in Asuncion on Tuesday.

The Albirroja are currently sixth in the 10-team South American group after taking just one point from their opening two qualifiers against Peru and Venezuela in September.

Garnero said his side would have to be in peak form to have any chance of beating the reigning world champions.

"We are going to have to play a very intelligent game," Garnero said. "My intention is always to play with the ball so I think this game could be more difficult in that sense." Enditem

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