Brazil right-back Dani Alves was ruled out of the World Cup on Friday after suffering a knee injury playing for French champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian football federation (CBF) said.
“All possibilities for his recovery being exhausted, it will be impossible to select Daniel Alves… for the World Cup,” said the CBF in a statement.
The 35-year-old endured the damage playing in Tuesday’s French Cup last against Les Herbiers, falling off four minutes from the end as PSG beat the minnows 2-0. The World Cup, where Brazil are going for a 6th title, begins in Russia on June 14.
Brazilian legend and three-time World Cup-champ Pele tweeted: “I am so dismal to hear this. Footballers loathe missing amusements however I know direct that missing #WorldCup recreations is the most exceedingly bad inclination.”
The damage to Alves is the second significant blow for Brazil who are as yet sweating on the recuperation from foot surgery of star striker Neymar who hasn’t played since March.
Alves has played 107 times for Brazil since making his introduction in 2006 and looked a specific starter for Tite’s group at the World Cup finals in Russia where Brazil are gathered with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia.