Gremio shot-stopper Marcelo Grohe has taken his place as Brazil attempt to win the Copa America for the first time since 2007.
Advertisement
Los Angeles:Brazil’s preparations for the Copa America Centenario suffered a further blow on Tuesday after midfielder Rafinha and goalkeeper Ederson were ruled out of the tournament through injury.
‘Kaka has had discomfort in training and has had an MRI, which showed a small problem.
He will be replaced by 26-year-old Sao Paulo midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, who has not played for Brazil’s national team since 2012.
Brazilian officials have already spoken to Sao Paulo to secure Ganso’s participation and are awaiting formal clearance from CONMEBOL.
Brazil’s opening game is against Ecuador on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, the Pasadena stadium where it won the country’s fourth World Cup title in 1994.
Kaka s withdrawal brings to five the number of Brazilian players who have withdrawn from the squad through injury.
Last week, Brazil lost Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa to injury.
Advertisement
Rafinha is to be replaced by Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Moura.
