Reports from German club Werder Bremen claim that veteran striker Claudio Pizarro is carrying a knee injury. The extent of the player’s recovery time remains unknown as of now. However, it has been confirmed that the Peruvian national team will be deprived from his services during July’s Copa America in Argentina.

“Claudio Pizarro has sustained a ligament injury in his right knee,” said Klaus Allofs, Werder Bremen’s general manager, according to Skysports.com.

“He certainly won’t play in the Copa America. He will also be unavailable for us, for some parts of the pre-season.

“We will decide in the next couple of days how to treat this injury. After that, we will see how serious it turns out to be.”

In the meantime, Peru’s Sergio Markarian has been left with a big headache ahead of the 2011 Copa America—with influential defender Juan Vargas also doubtful. Commentating on the piece of news involving Claudio Pizarro, the manager avowed as CA2011.com reported:

“Peru loses a lot with Pizarro’s absence from the team. This is a hard situation. We have to create a new game plan and move forward.

“Now, we’re thinking about who’s going to replace him. Well, the one who does will have the opportunity to gain experience and how his qualities.”

Tow-time Copa America champions Peru are in Group C with Mexico, Chile and Uruguay. They will kick-off their campaign with a match against La Celeste Olimpica on June 4.