The loss of striker Paolo Guerrero for the intercontinental playoff against New Zealand is a massive loss for Peru, according to All Whites coach Anthony Hudson.
Guerrero has been suspended for 30 days for a doping violation after he tested positive on October 5 to a stimulant, according to South American reports, and has been provisionally suspended by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
Peru have since called striker Yordy Reyna to replace Guerrero but the 10th-ranked team in the world still remain hopeful their skipper will be able to play in at least one of the two playoff games.
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Speaking to Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes on RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport, Hudson said his loss is massive for Peru, who are trying to qualify for their first World Cup since 1982.
"It is something where we are analysing their team, everything they do seems to revolve around him," Hudson told RadioLIVE.
"He is such a big player. If he was in the Premier League he would be one of the top strikers because he has all the attributes.
"He is very similar to a Diego Costa type. He's very physical, very good with his feet and he has a keen eye for goal."
Even though Guerrero is out of the squad, for now, Hudson is still preparing as if the 33-year-old will still be a part of the team in case the decision gets overturned.
"Now we just focus on ourselves. Potentially he will come, he may not come.
"There is an appeal and there might be a little loophole and all of that is out of our control and it doesn't change anything for myself or the players.
"Look, it could actually improve their team in terms of the phycology of the team but it could hurt them, but it isn't relevant to us."
The All Whites are now assembling in Wellington, ahead of the first leg in the capital at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, November 11, with a 4:15pm kick-off, while the second leg will be played in Lima on Thursday, November 16, at 3:15pm (NZ time).
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