Paraguay will be without three of their top players for their preparations for the Copa América 2007 in Venezuela. Club América striker Salvador Cabañas, top-scorer of the Copa Libertadores, UANL Tigres defender Julio Cáceres and Denis ‘The Mexican’ Caniza from CF Atlas will not be part of the Paraguay squad for the friendly matches away to Mexico and Austria before the tournament begins in June.

Paraguay’s Argentine coach Gerardo Martino has confirmed that both players will be missing for the friendly internationals, Cabañas because of his club obligations for the Copa Libertadores and in the Mexican league.

Cáceres is physically drained, and is trying to get back to full fitness. “If I’m not ok to go to the friendly matches, it’s because I want to be part of the great festival that is Copa América”, explained the defender to FIFA.com, who is blaming muscle tiredness for his absence.

Also missing will be Denis Caniza, who has recently undergone surgery on his left knee. Martino explained: “We want to have him ready for Copa América.”

Paraguay face Austria in Vienna on Saturday June 2 and Mexico in Mexico City the following Tuesday.

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