Rodrigo Lasmar: Ronaldinho on track to be fit for the Club World Cup

Atlético Mineiro team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar is ‘confident’ that Ronaldinho will be fit for the Club World Cup. The 33 year-old ruptured the adductor muscle in his left groin last month and was considered a serious doubt for the competition. The latest update, however, is encouraging for the Brazilian international. “Ronaldinho has improved significantly,” said […]
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sambafoot_admin
2013-10-17 16:17:00

Atlético Mineiro team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar is ‘confident’ that Ronaldinho will be fit for the Club World Cup.

The 33 year-old ruptured the adductor muscle in his left groin last month and was considered a serious doubt for the competition.

The latest update, however, is encouraging for the Brazilian international.

“Ronaldinho has improved significantly,” said Lasmar. “He is practically free of pain and has already begun light work to strengthen the muscle. The expectation is that next week he will begin running, which doesn’t mean that he is ready.

“He still has a long recovery process ahead but so far everything is as good as we could have imagined. We are confident that he is going to be available for the Club World Cup.”

The Club World Cup, held in Morocco, kicks off on December 11 with Raja Casablanca facing Auckland City. Atlético will play the winner of that tie or Monterrey in the semi-finals on December 18. Bayern Munich, plus the AFC and CAF Champions League winners – yet to be decided – complete the competitors.

Mineiro qualify for the tournament as Copa Libertadores holders. They defeated Olimpia 4-3 on penalties in July to win it for the first time.

Ronaldinho is not the only player concerning head coach Cuca. Defender Richarlyson is also a serious doubt. He suffered a knee injury in training earlier this month and is unlikely to recover in time.