Damiao injured his thigh during Internacional’s recent match with Figueirense, and the Inter medical staff have revealed that he will be out of action for 40 days. As a result, he will miss Brazil’s games against Costa Rica on October 7 and Mexico on October 11.
With Robinho and Alexandre Pato also missing, it leaves Menezes short on attacking options, and the Seleção boss admitted that Damiao would have started both games if he had been fit.
“Damiao was chosen for these games,” said Menezes. “With what he has shown in recent matches, I could not leave him out. I cannot ignore a player who has stood out from the rest, done his duties and scored goals.”
Porto’s Kleber was a surprise replacement for Damiao when the Brazil squad was announced yesterday, but the Brazil manager believes he can fill in well and make an impact on the team.
“Unfortunately, injuries are just part of the business, but it opens the doors for other players,” he explained. “We are going to test Kleber, who is young and could play at the Olympics, so it will be interesting for both him and us.”
