Peru coach Sergio Markarian has already lost his two best strikers to injury, and his best midfielder - Juan Vargas - is doubtful for the team's opening game in the Copa America against Uruguay on Monday.
In practice on Friday, Markarian said he would not know until just before the match if Vargas would be able to play.
''If it were tomorrow he could not play,'' he said about the Fiorentina player.
Markarian hails from Uruguay and is trying to revitalize Peru, which also faces Chile and Mexico in Group C.
''I want to be there on Monday,'' Vargas said. ''If I'm not playing, then accompanying my teammates.''
With Jefferson Farfan and Claudio Pizarro lost to injuries, Markarian is trying to find starting forwards among reserve players - Carlos Zambrano, Luis Ramirez and Jesus Rabanal - but they are also less than 100 percent healthy.
Markarian has been making slow progress with Peru, lifting the club into the 49th spot in FIFA's world rankings - above Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Venezuela.
He said facing his native Uruguay in the opener was a shock, particularly since it's his first competitive game after several friendly matches in charge.
''I never thought my first real match would be against Uruguay,'' he said.
He also declined to hang his head over the injuries.
''The spirit in the changing room is good, the players are good,'' he said. ''They don't need anyone to give them a lift. They are very strong and are fired up and ready to play.''
