Share

Injury ends Kaka's Copa dream

Los Angeles - Brazil's Copa America injury crisis deepened on Wednesday after veteran striker Kaka withdrew from the squad with a hamstring injury three days before the team's tournament opener against Ecuador.

The 34-year-old Orlando City attacking midfielder had been looking forward to competing in his first Copa America but saw his dream dashed after suffering an injury at Brazil's Los Angeles training base.

"Kaka has had discomfort in training and safety will be auditioned MRI, which showed a small problem. Doctors indicate between 15 and 20 days of recovery," said Brazilian Football Confederation official Gilmar Rinaldi.

The former FIFA World Player of the Year will be replaced by Sao Paulo's Paulo Henrique Ganso. Brazilian officials have already spoken to Sao Paulo to secure Ganso's participation and are awaiting formal clearance from CONMEBOL.

Kaka's injury ends his hopes of participating in the Copa America for the first time.

This year's special edition of the tournament kicks off on Friday in Santa Clara when hosts the United States face Colombia.

Kaka's withdrawal brings to five the number of Brazilian players who have withdrawn from the squad through injury.

Kaka himself had been an injury replacement for Bayern Munich's Douglas Costa. Other players ruled out through injury include Ricardo Oliveira Santos, replaced by Jonas, goalkeeper Ederson and Barcelona midfielder Rafinha.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1132 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1303 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2001 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE