World Cup KO for Figueroa

By Mark Kendall.   Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am

Sky Bet

Argentine striker Luciano Figueroa has been ruled out of this summer's World Cup finals after sustaining a serious knee injury.

The 24-year-old River Plate hit-man has torn the cruciate ligament in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of six months.

It means he will be forced to sit out the remainder of the Argentine Torneo Clausura, the closing stages of Copa Libertadores and also the World Cup.

Figueroa, who had an unsuccessful spell at Birmingham earlier in his career, has an impressive record for his country having bagged nine goals in 15 appearances.

He looked a certainty for Jose Pekerman's squad for the summer's showpiece, but has now seen that dream dashed.