Soccer: Santa Cruz pulls out of friendly

Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz in action against the All Whites at the World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Paraguay and Manchester City star Roque Santa Cruz has withdrawn from his country's friendly against the All Whites next week.

According to reports the striker has pulled out of Paraguay's tour of Australia and New Zealand due to personal reasons.

Santa Cruz has been replaced by Toulouse's Federico Santander, AP reports.

The All Whites face Paraguay next Tuesday in Wellington after playing Honduras in Auckland this weekend.

Yesterday it was confirmed New Zealand defender Tommy Smith will miss the two matches due to injury.

- Herald online