Brazil’s Elano ruled out, Dunga waits on

JOHANNESBURG - Brazil midfielder Elano will play no part in Friday’s quarter-final clash with the Netherlands in Port Elizabeth after failing to recover from injury, team doctor Jose Luiz Runco confirmed Wednesday in Johannesburg.

But there was some good news for coach Dunga as Runca confirmed that mid-fielders Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista will train later Wednesday before a decision is made on their availability.

Elano sustained a heavy knock to his shin in Brazil’s win over Ivory Coast and aggravated the problem in training last Sunday.

“He has severe bruising. He trained on Sunday and after that said that he was having problems,” said Runco.

“I’m not saying that he won’t be able to play again at this World Cup but he won’t be ready by Friday.”

Elano revealed that he had underestimated the problem and had probably returned to training too early.

“I began feeling better shortly after the injury happened and began training again. When that didn’t work they carried out a scan.”

Runco said a subsequent X-ray revealed the extent of the problem.

“We have to release the pressure on the bone and that will take a couple of days. He will do nothing strenuous for the rest of the week.”

Melo continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered in last Fridays bruising encounter with Portugal while Baptista picked up an ankle knock in the same game.

“Felipe and Baptista are progressing well,” said Runco.

“They will train today and then we’ll see how they feel. I can’t confirm if they will be fit to play.”