Robinho out for Brazil against Ghana

Robinho will not play for Brazil against Ghana in the second round of the World Cup because of a right thigh injury.

The striker, who had medical tests in Cologne after being injured in Saturday's training, is not seriously hurt, the Brazilian Soccer Confederation said Monday.
 
"It was a small problem. I'll continue treatment and, God willing, I will be available for next Saturday's match if Brazil gets past Ghana," Robinho said.

Brazil doctor Jose Luiz Runco said there is a "great possibility" Robinho will be available to play in the quarterfinals.

"We have ruled out the possibility that he won't be playing in this World Cup again," Runco said.

The striker, who started in Brazil's 4-1 win over Japan, will not travel with the rest of the squad to Dortmund for the match against Ghana. He will stay at the team's hotel undergoing treatment.

"I was a little sad, upset for being injured, but thank God it wasn't anything serious," Robinho said.

Runco said the full extent of the striker's injury wasn't known until after the results from the MRI exam. He said Robinho likely would return to practice as soon as Wednesday if Brazil beats Ghana.

After playing well against Japan, the 22-year-old Robinho was hoping to get another chance in the match against Ghana. He replaced regular starter Adriano against Japan as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira rested some starters.

Many in Brazil have been calling for Robinho to be included in the team's starting 11 in all matches. Robinho, playing in his first World Cup, was a starter when Brazil won last year's Confederations Cup, earning praise from Parreira.

Robinho has six goals in 23 matches with Brazil. He led Santos to two Brazilian league titles before going to Real Madrid in 2005 in a deal reportedly worth $38 million.