Paraguay recall Barrios, Perez for World Cup qualifiers

Forwards Lucas Barrios and Hernan Perez have been recalled to Paraguay's national team for their World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina next month.

Paraguay coach Francisco Arce said Barrios and Perez, both overlooked for last month's qualifiers against Chile and Uruguay, had impressive performances with their respective clubs, Palmeiras and Espanyol.

"Barrios has found rhythm and Perez was included because his physical characteristics can provide us with another option," Paraguay coach Francisco Arce said on Tuesday.

Paraguay will host Colombia on October 6 before an away clash against Argentina five days later.

Arce's side are currently sixth in the South American zone standings with 12 points, four points behind leaders Uruguay.

The top five teams at the end of the two-year qualifying campaign will secure a direct berth at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The fifth-ranked side will earn a play-off spot.

Goalkeeper: Justo Villar (Colo Colo, Chile).

Defenders: Jorge Moreira (River Plate, Argentina), Juan Patino (Jaguares, Mexico), Pablo Aguilar (America, Mexico), Paulo da Silva (Toluca, Mexico), Bruno Valdez (America, Mexico), Gustavo Gomez (Milan, Italy), Salustiano Candia (Olimpia).

Midfielders: Victor Ayala (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Hernan Perez (Espanyol, Spain), Celso Ortiz (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Oscar Romero (Racing Club, Argentina), Miguel Almiron (Lanus, Argentina)

Forwards: Dario Lezcano (Ingolstadt 04, Germany), Federico Santander (Copenhagen, Denmark), Lucas Barrios (Palmeiras, Brazil), Angel Romero (Corinthians, Brasil), Jorge Benitez (Cruz Azul, Mexico), Edgar Benítez (Queretaro, Mexico), Derlis Gonzalez (Dinamo Kiev, Ukraine). Endit