Brazil midfielder Edmilson has been ruled
out of his nation's defense of its World Cup soccer title because of a
knee injury.
The 29-year-old, who helped Brazil win the tournament for a
record-extending fifth time in 2002, was replaced by Sao Paulo's Mineiro,
the Brazilian Football Federation said on its Web site.
Edmilson, whose full name is Jose Gomes Edmilson Moraes, was taken out
of the squad following the results of a scan on his right knee. He has
made 33 international appearances, scoring one goal.
The Barcelona player, who helped the Spanish club beat Arsenal in the
Champions League final two weeks ago, only returned to Brazil's lineup
in December after a knee injury kept him out for most of 2005.
Brazil opens its defense against Croatia on June 13, while it also faces
Australia and Japan in the group stage of the June 9-July 9 tournament
in Germany. |
