Cabanas: I will play at World Cup

Cabanas: Determined to make World Cup

Salvador Cabanas has insisted he will make Paraguay’s World Cup squad, less than two weeks after being shot in the head.

The 29-year-old, who plays for Mexican side Club América, suffered life threatening injuries following an attack in a bar in Mexico City on January 25.

Cabanas was rushed to hospital where he underwent a seven-hour operation, but surgeons decided it was too dangerous to remove the bullet from his brain.

Since regaining consciousness he has shown shown “miraculous” signs of recovery, but remains in critical condition.

The Paraguayan frontman has been eating,  moving his limbs and talking to relatives. “We were sitting in the room and he said, ‘Dad, I will play at the World Cup’,” Cabanas’ father told newspaper Ultima Hora.

América’s president Michel Bauer, said: “Salvador already wants to be training, and has mentioned the subject of the World Cup. He’s spoken to the doctor about it and that’s very good because it motivates him.”

Doctors have not ruled out the possibility of the Cabanas leading Paraguay into the World Cup and have praised his physical and spiritual strength for his “extremely positive” progress.

Neurosurgeon Celso Fretes said: “He will, things being as they are, have the possibility of recovering in time and we have to give him the chance. Salvador has to be included in the squad.”

There have been massive shows of support for the striker in Mexico and his home country, where a crowd of 10,000 people, many carrying flags and sporting Paraguay’s colours, gathered to sing songs and pray for the his recovery.

The Paraguay squad also attended a mass in the nation’s capital, Asunción.

Cabanas, who has scored over 100 goals in Mexico including 18 goals in 24 games this season, was a target for Sunderland during the January transfer window.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce said: “I’ve monitored Cabanas for three years. He’s a fantastic player but what has happened is ridiculous and it is terrible to talk about player that has been shot.”