The first absence for the crucial match in Wellington.

Miguel Araujo has been ruled out of the Peruvian National Team to face New Zealand in the first leg of the World Cup 2018 playoffs. The question is who will replace him.

For the second consecutive day, Miguel Araujo trained separately from the rest of the group. Juan Carlos Oblitas, the manager of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), confirmed the defender's absence due to a muscle tear suffered while playing for Alianza Lima in the Clausura Tournament. Christian Ramos, Adrián Zela, and Anderson Santamaría are the first options to replace him.

The Peruvian National Team completed its training in Auckland ahead of the playoffs against New Zealand.

During warm-up with the ball, Miguel Araujo trained alongside his teammates. However, minutes later he returned to his recovery exercises and did not participate in the tactical football work ordered by Ricardo Gareca. Although he has been medically cleared, the coaching staff prefers not to risk him in this first match in Wellington.

Juan Carlos Oblitas, the manager of the FPF, confirmed the news in an interview with the program Fútbol como Cancha. "Miguel Araujo is the only one ruled out. The rest of the players are in optimal condition," he said.

When Miguel Araujo was injured playing for Alianza Lima in the Clausura Tournament, Ricardo Gareca surprised by calling up Adrián Zela for these two matches of the Peruvian National Team against New Zealand in Wellington.

Paolo Guerrero: When will the 'B' vial of his doping test be opened and what comes next in his case?

It is worth remembering that when Miguel Araujo was injured and the severity of his injury was known, Ricardo Gareca surprised by calling up Adrián Zela for these two matches of the Peruvian National Team against New Zealand in Wellington.

DON'T MISS

Peruvian National Team: players had fun playing tennis and golf on Nintendo Wii (VIDEO)