OBERHACHING, Germany, June 2 (SW) - Roque Santa Cruz has been given the green light to play in Paraguay’s World Cup opener against England on June 10.

The Bayern Munich striker missed almost all of last seasons Bundesliga campaign after undergoing 2 separate knee operations over the last 18 months, and was still feeling the effects last week, forcing him to miss much of Paraguay’s pre-tournament training and preparation.

This week however he returned to the training field and after further examination by team doctors, has been passed to play in the Group B opening fixture in Frankfurt.

Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz announced the news at a welcome reception in Oberhaching, a suburb on the outskirts of Munich, which is where the South Americans will be based for the tournament.

“He’s definitely going to play.” said Ruiz.