By Chris O'Brien
July 7 2004

Red Devils midfielder Kleberson is out of Brazil's opening Copa America clash against Chile. The muscle injury in his left leg is not serious, but will rule the only World Cup winner in a depleted Brazilian squad out of Thursday's game.

Manchester United midfielder Kleberson will miss Brazil's opening Copa America clash with Chile on Thursday night due to a muscle injury to his left leg. The 24-year-old picked up the knock during a training game between Brazil's 'starters' and the 'substitutes' which for the record finished a 1-1 draw.

"Kleberson's injury is not serious, just something muscular. But as we're so close to the first game he's out." announced Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

The Copa America is an exciting competition, but has been largely devalued by some of the major nations who have not picked several of the biggest names in their squads. It is shocking to see that Kleberson is the only World Cup Winner in the entire Brazilian squad, meaning most of the house-hold names are not taking part in the South American competition.

With many of the big guns out, Kleberson was hoping to use the competition to prove a point to club manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks to get regular first-team football next season. The former Paranaense player has been linked with a move to a whole host of clubs, and could still join Werder Bremen in a move likely to be a season-long loan for next term.

Brazil have hit injury problems leading up to their first game, with Julio Baptista also injured in addition to United's Kleberson. This means Edu and Renato are set to link up in the middle of the park as a second-string Brazil sign look to win the trophy from holders Columbia, who won their opening game with an edgy 1-0 victory over battling under-dogs Venezuela on Tuesday night.