Brazil captain Emerson has been ruled out of the World Cup with a dislocated shoulder which he sustained in a bizarre training accident, team doctor Jose Luis Runco told reporters on Sunday.
Emerson, a defensive midfielder, was playing in goal in a light-hearted practice match when he fell awkwardly on his shoulder and dislocated it.
Brazil, who will have to reshuffle their team when they open their campaign against Turkey on Monday, had previously been free of the injury problems which had afflicted their rivals.
The AS Roma player, who himself was called up as a last minute replacement for the 1998 World Cup after an injury to striker Romario, was surrounded by his team mates and lay on the pitch for about 10 minutes before being taken off.
"During the training Emerson suffered a dislocation of his right shoulder and unfortunately he needs around four weeks to be able to practice," said Runco.
"Therefore his participation in the World Cup has been made impossible and we are asking FIFA if we can bring in another athlete.
"He was extremely upset but understood the situation."
