Brazil’s Elano to miss World Cup Quarterfinal against Netherlands because of Ankle injury
Brazil dealt a blow when it was announced that star midfielder, Elano, was ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup quarter-final against the Dutch side on Friday at Port Elizabeth. However it is being hoped Elano, who is carrying an ankle injury, will be fit in time for the semi-finals if Brazil qualifies.
Team doctor, Runco said Elano may be fit to play by next week but did not rule out the apprehension that the playmaker could miss the rest of the World Cup.
"He has been undergoing intensive treatment which can take a few days, weeks or a month, there is no timetable," Runco said. "Each day we will make an evaluation. We have to see if nature will be on our side."
Runco said Elano’s progress was steady but test results showed the player has a bruised bone which will keep him from away from practice with the rest of the squad at least until Friday.
Elano, 29, scored a goal in each of the first two matches Brazil played. He was forced to leave during a practice session on Tuesday after apparently feeling pain in the ankle. After being consulted by team doctors Elano had to cut short a light training session he was undergoing with the rest of the players.
"It was a spectacular start after scoring two goals in the first two matches," Elano said. "Of course I'm sad, but I remain positive. I'm hopeful that I will still be able to play. I have to be patient now, that's all I can do."
The Galatasaray midfielder had been doubtful to play after a crunching tackle in the 67th minute of the match with Ivory Coast’s Cheick Tote in Brazil's second group game. Doctors initially said the injury was not serious but Elano failed to recover in time for Brazil's matches against Portugal and Chile.
The 29-year-old said he expects referees will do more to protect players from violent play.
Elano stated that the way he had been tackled by Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Ismael Tiote was ridiculous and dangerous. He added, his injury could have been even more serious.
"If I had my foot planted he would have broken my leg," the 29-year-old Elano said.
Tiote was lucky not to be booked by French referee, Stephane Lannoy, who did not call a foul on the tackle, but did give Tiote a yellow card for another hard play during the June 20 match at Soccer City.
The Brazilian playmaker happens to be a consistent feature of Dunga's team since the coach took over the Brazilian squad after the 2006 World Cup. Elano has scored a total of nine goals in 46 matches for Brazil.
Another Brazilian player who will be missing the quarterfinal against Dutch team is midfielder Felipe Melo. Melo, is carrying a left ankle injury from the group stage match against Portugal which he sustained late in the first half against Portugal. He didn't play against Chile because of the injury.
Runco said Felipe Melo will participate in the practice session on Wednesday but it is too early to say anything about his fitness fate.
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