A training ground collision left Jefferson Farfan temporarily paralysed with the Peruvian attacker now a confirmed absentee for his side's final World Cup clash against Australia.
It's a must-win game for the Socceroos, but a dead rubber for Peru who cannot progress after 1-0 defeats to Denmark and France.
Farfan was rushed to hospital over the weekend after colliding with a goalkeeper in training with the national team confirming he was suffering from a 'traumatic brain injury'.
Peru defender Anderson Santamaria was at the training ground when it happened and revealed the troubling nature of Farfan's injury.
“We were very shocked by what happened with Jefferson, because he could not move his arms and legs, he had white eyes, when I saw him I thought the worst, it scared us a lot,” Santamaria said.
“We have just been told that (Farfán) is already aware, that he can now move his legs and hands, thank God he is out of danger, he may travel with us, but I do not think he will play."
Farfan himself took to social media to confirm that despite his desire to play, he must miss Peru's final group game.
"I was dying to be with my colleagues this last game, but for medical recommendations it's impossible," Farfan wrote on Instagram.
Australia and Peru will face off in Sochi on June 26.