Football
ESPN staff 6y

Brazil's Dani Alves ruled out of World Cup with knee injury

Brazil right-back Dani Alves has been ruled out of this summer's World Cup with a knee injury, the country's football federation has confirmed.

Alves, 35, tore his right ACL in the 80th minute of PSG's Coupe de France final victory over Les Herbiers on Tuesday and is expected to miss up to six months, according to Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

The Brazilian federation confirmed Alves' absence from the tournament in a statement on Friday, saying: "The patient underwent a detailed examination and confirmed the initial diagnosis of an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which required surgical treatment.

"After exhausting all the alternatives of recovery within the term, the call-up of Daniel Alves was deemed impossible for the period of preparation, friendlies and, consequently, for the World Cup.

"The technical team of the Brazilian national team feels for the event and wishes Daniel Alves a prompt recovery so that his technique, commitment and leadership can return to the serve the national team as soon as possible."

PSG issued a statement of their own, adding that the club and Brazil medical staff agreed surgery was the best option for Alves.

"As a result of the damage done to Dani Alves' right knee during the Coupe de France final, the latest tests have confirmed the initial diagnosis," PSG said. "However, the rest period required is incompatible with the constraints of optimal preparation for the coming World Cup.

"Under these conditions, the player, PSG's medical staff and Brazil's medical staff have decided that surgery is the best option. Dani Alves will be operated on when the condition of his knee permits."

Brazil coach Tite is set to name his World Cup squad on Monday and now must decide on Alves' replacement, with PSG teammate Marquinhos, Corinthians' Fagner and Manchester City's Danilo in contention, while Monaco's Fabinho and Bayern Munich's Rafinha are considered long shots.

Brazil, aiming for a record-extending sixth World Cup triumph, begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 17 before facing Costa Rica and Serbia in their remaining group-stage matches.

Alves has made 107 appearances for the Selecao since making his debut in 2006 and was the most veteran member of Tite's regular call-ups.

He was a FIFA World Youth Champion with Brazil in 2003. He has won the Copa America and has twice won the Confederations Cup.

He also played in the World Cup in 2014, when hosts Brazil infamously lost 7-1 in the semifinals to Germany.

ESPN FC PSG correspondent Jonathan Johnson contributed to this report.

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