Robinho doubtful for Ghana clash (Reuters) Updated: 2006-06-26 08:53
BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany, June 25 - Brazil striker Robinho is doubtful
for Tuesday's World Cup second round match with Ghana, team doctor Jose Luis
Runco said on Sunday.
Robinho ended training early on Saturday after suffering a twinge in his
right thigh.
The player, whose speed and trickery gave Brazil a new dimension in a 4-1 win
over Japan in their final group game on Thursday, was seen to clutch his thigh
during shooting practice.
Robinho missed practice on Sunday. Instead he stayed in the team hotel
undergoing physiotherapy.
Runco said Robinho had shown an improvement but would undergo an MRI scan on
Monday to determine the extent of the injury.
"We'll wait for the results of this before making any decision," said Runco.
"If it's not a sprain, then he's free to train and play as soon as he doesn't
feel any more pain."
Runco added it was very unlikely that Robinho's injury would be serious
enough to force him out the tournament.
Robinho began Brazil's first two games against Croatia and Australia on the
bench, coming on in the second half.
He then replaced Adriano in the starting lineup for the Japan match and
Brazil looked much livelier throughout.
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has not yet decided whether Robinho will start
against Ghana, if he is fit.
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