Maldini not hiding anything

Paraguay coach Cesare Maldini has delayed naming his lineup for tonight's friendly against England in Liverpool following injuries to goalkeeper and captain Jose Luis Chilavert and midfielder Roberto Acuna.

Maldini said: "I'm not trying to hide anything. It's a friendly. But I'm not going to be ready to name the line-up until just before the game."

Paraguay, awaiting the late arrival from Mexico of Santos Laguna left-back Denis Caniza, trained with 18 players at Anfield yesterday.

Goalkeeper Ricardo Tavarelli of former South American club champions Olimpia is expected to stand in for Chilavert.

Tavarelli is also almost certain to play in Paraguay's World Cup opener against South Africa in Pusan on 2 June because Chilavert is suspended.

Diego Gavilan, on loan to Mexico's Tecos from Newcastle United, could also lend vital experience of English football by stepping in for Acuna.

Maldini obtained a calendar of warm-up matches against tough European opposition so his team will be well prepared for the World Cup finals.

"I asked to play the strongest European sides because at the World Cup we'll meet very strong teams," said Maldini, whose team face Sweden next.