Carlos to miss Brazil qualifier

Roberto Carlos will not star in Brazil's crucial World Cup qualifier against Venezuela as the Real defender has been ruled out through injury.

The Brazilian left-back damaged tendons in Real Madrid's Champions League tie against Anderlecht on October 24, and has been told to take it easy and not run the risk of aggravating his injury by taking part in any top flight matches.

Real's club doctor Alfonso Del Corral met with officials from the Brazilian Football Federation on Monday and reached the conclusion that the player's health must not be put in danger before he has made a full recovery.

However, in a declaration to Spanish daily Marca on the eve of the game, Roberto Carlos stressed that he felt fine and would be playing.

"The pains have gone," he said before indicating that he did not want to miss the important match.

Brazil, fourth in the South American qualifying table, need a win in the final game of the preliminary rounds to book a place in the summer finals in Japan and Korea.