Maradona treads a cautious path with Veron injury

Argentina v South Korea; Today, 12.30pm, ITV1

The Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron will not play against South Korea because of a calf injury and will be replaced by Maxi Rodriguez.

His coach Diego Maradona does not want to risk aggravating the injury. "I gave him my reasons and he understood," Maradona said, adding that the rest of the starting line-up would be same as against Nigeria. "I need Veron. We know that if we lose Veron [to a long-term injury], the team would not be the same."

The veteran midfielder could return for the team's final Group B match against Greece on 22 June or perhaps later in the tournament.

South Korea lead the group after beating Greece 2-0 on Saturday, and Manchester United's Park Ji-sung is expected to be the main threat to the Argentines.