Skip to main content

Peru v Venezuela: Decisions to make for Gareca

Yordy Reyna and Claudio Pizarro put their hands up to replace Jefferson Farfan in the Peru line-up for Thursday's Copa America clash against Venezuela.

Schalke man Farfan played in the 2-1 defeat to Brazil despite suffering an allergic reaction, which caused swelling to his foot.

However, the 30-year-old winger missed Tuesday's training session and is now a doubt for when they take on Venezuela.

"We will see what happens with Jefferson Farfan. All are available to [coach] Ricardo Gareca to start. I try to work well, but there is also Claudio Pizarro and others who are available," he told reporters.

"I work to give my best. If Jefferson Farfan does not play, I am available - like everyone else.

"You know me, I can bring speed and play well, but we will let him recover. He is a great player. Against Brazil he played well despite the fact he wasn't well."

During Tuesday's session, Gareca played Pizarro alongside Paolo Guerrero for a short spell, suggesting he could be the man to step into the starting line-up.

"Jeffry stayed in the hotel because he has some problems, but, if given the opportunity, I would be glad to play," Pizarro said.

"I just hurt my ankle a little but you know your body and the pain has passed," he said.

Peru desperately need a win in Group C, sitting third and point-less – three points behind Brazil and Venezuela.

After their win over Colombia, Noel Sanvicente's men are high on confidence as they look to build on good results in 2007 (quarter-finals) and 2011 (fourth).