Hamstring injury shatters Kaka’s maiden Copa America dream

Johannesburg : Veteran striker Kaka, who is suffering from a hamstring injury, has pulled out of the Copa America, thus giving a huge blow to Brazil.

The 34-year-old midfielder’s hopes of making his first Copa America appearance were dented after suffering an injury at Brazil’s Los Angeles training base.

Confirming the news, Brazilian Football Confederation official Gilmar Rinaldi said Kaka had complained a discomfort during the training session and later the MRI scan revealed a minute problem, Sport24 reported.

The former FIFA World Player of the Year will be replaced by Sao Paulo’s Paulo Henrique Ganso in the squad.

Kaka has now become the fifth Brazilian player to have withdrawn from the squad due to injury.

Earlier, Ricardo Oliveira Santos, goalkeeper Ederson and Barcelona midfielder Rafinha all withdrew from the team with their respective injuries.

Brazil will face Ecuador in their tournament opener on Sunday at the Rose Bowl Stadium in California. (ANI)