Andina

Peru: Ruidiaz, Farfan to replace top striker Paolo Guerrero

Ruidíaz y Farfán

Ruidíaz y Farfán

14:00 | Auckland (New Zealand), Nov. 8.

Among the alternatives being considered by Peru's coach Ricardo Gareca —to enhance the squad's attack line in the first match against New Zealand this weekend— putting Jefferson Farfan and Raul Ruidiaz together on the field is one option.

In this sense, finding a replacement for Paolo Guerrero —who has been temporarily suspended by FIFA— has become a big concern for the coach.  

Everything seems to indicate that either Farfan or Ruidiaz will replace the Flamengo star Guerrero.

Yet, another possibility is that both of them might lead the Inca attack against the All Whites.

This decision might lead to a better forward line during the match, as was revealed by Peruvian Edison Flores in an interview following the national team's second training day in Auckland on Wednesday.

It must be noted such session was held in private since Gareca has already started to design Peru's strategy to face New Zealand in Wellington this weekend.

On this occasion, the national team featured 27 athletes at the training event.

Matches
  
The first leg of Peru-New Zealand FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff tie will take place at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on November 11 at 4:15 PM (local time).

The return leg will be held at Lima's National Stadium (Peru) on November 15 at 9:15 PM (local time).

Following both clashes, it will be known —finally— if Peruvians return to a World Cup after 35 years. 

(END) JSO/FGM/MVB

Published: 11/8/2017