Argentina: Veron to miss game

Argentina coach Diego Maradona is set to make at least one change to his winning line-up for tomorrow`s World Cup encounter against South Korea, with veteran midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron being rested as a precaution.

The 35-year-old Veron played 74 minutes of Argentina`s 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their opening match, but he has been struggling with a knock and Maradona does not want to risk the former Manchester United and Chelsea player against South Korea.

Maxi Rodriguez is the man in line to replace Veron for Argentina`s second Group B encounter, with Maradona saying the Liverpool winger will do a "wonderful job".

"It was a difficult decision to leave Sebastian out because he really wants to play and of course nobody wants to miss out on the World Cup, but we have to deal with the problem of risk," said Maradona at today`s press conference.

"We don't want the injury to get worse, we don't want Veron's World Cup to end. I really need him, I need Veron. I explained the reason to him and he understood perfectly well that it was the best for the team.

"If we put Veron in tomorrow and once again he has a problem with his calf, like the second half against Nigeria, then we would lose him for the whole tournament."

Maradona also heaped praise on Veron for the way he reacted to the news, adding: "To tell you the truth this was once again a lesson in professionalism. He was a man, a leader, the leader of the group, that's what he showed us, so I'm very pleased with the way he responded and reacted.

"We all know that if we lost Veron tomorrow the team is not going to be the same. Although we may be losing a very important player I think Maxi Rodriguez is going to do a wonderful job.

"We'll just let Veron rest and recover and we hope he can play against Greece, and if not that then another match."