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Kaka, Elano, Robinho back for Brazil

27/06/2010 04:32:14 AM Comments (0)

Kaka, Elano and Robinho are set to return to Brazil's starting lineup for the World Cup second-round match against Chile on Monday, giving the team an attacking boost.

Coach Dunga may not be able to count on Felipe Melo, however, because the defensive midfielder injured his left ankle in Brazil's 0-0 draw against Portugal on Friday. Reserve midfielder Julio Baptista hurt his left knee also against Portugal and may not be available.

Kaka will be back from his suspension for the red card he received in the 3-1 win over Ivory Coast, while Elano should be fit after recovering from a right ankle injury that forced him out of Friday's match in Durban.

Elano trained without restriction on Saturday and wasn't bothered by the injury.

"I'm upbeat because I practiced normally and didn't feel any pain," he said.

Robinho was rested for the final Group G match against Portugal after a minor left thigh problem, but Brazil doctor Jose Luis Runco said the striker can return against Chile.

"I would have played against Portugal if it was a decisive match and Brazil hadn't advanced yet," Robinho said.

Without the three playmakers, Brazil struggled to create scoring opportunities and failed to get past Portugal's defense at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The result still gave Brazil first place in the group, but halted its seven-match winning streak. The five-time champion hadn't been held scoreless since a 0-0 home draw with Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier last October.

Dunga said the absence of the three regular starters, especially Robinho, played a part in Brazil's failure to score.

"Robinho could've given us an edge," Dunga said. "He can make a difference with his dribbles when there is not a lot of space, like it was the case against Portugal."

Elano had scored a goal in each of Brazil's first two matches, and Kaka and Robinho each had assists.

Daniel Alves replaced Elano on Friday, while Julio Baptista came in for Kaka and Nilmar for Robinho. Nilmar came close to scoring when his close-range shot was tipped on to a post by goalkeeper Eduardo in the 30th minute.

Felipe Melo was substituted by Josue just before halftime, and Runco said the Juventus player is doubtful to face the Chileans at Ellis Park. He twisted his ankle in a hard challenge from Portugal defender Pepe.

Pepe received a yellow card for the foul. Felipe Melo minutes earlier had also received a yellow for a hard foul on Pepe.

Runco said Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista improved considerably from their injuries but were still receiving intensive treatment.

Felipe Melo has been a regular starter in Dunga's team since making the squad just before last year's Confederations Cup, which he helped Brazil win. Wolfsburg's Josue, which hasn't play much with Brazil recently, will probably replace him against the Chileans.

Julio Baptista, who replaced the suspended Kaka against Portugal, was replaced by Ramires in the 82nd minute after twisting his knee.

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