Robinho to miss Ghana game?

Robinho leaves Brazil practice with injury

BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany (AP) - Robinho left Brazil's practice on Saturday because of a thigh injury, putting him in doubt for Brazil's World Cup match against Ghana.

The striker, who started Thursday's 4-1 win over Japan, injured his right thigh after a shot on goal at the end of Brazil's training session. He put his hand on the leg immediately after and did not continue practising. He met with Brazil's doctors on the sideline and was taken to the locker room.

Brazil doctor Jose Luiz Runco said it appeared to be a "light injury," but added that the full extent of the injury would not be known until Friday.

"He's being medicated, with ice, and we will wait for his evolution," Runco said. "If necessary we will ask for more tests."

Runco also said it was too early to say whether the striker would be fit for Tuesday's match against Ghana in the second round of the World Cup.

"With muscle injuries we have to wait at least 24 hours to have a precise diagnostic," Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said. "Not even the doctor can know right now ... we have to cross our fingers."

Robinho, playing in his first World Cup, replaced regular starter Adriano in Brazil's win over Japan. The 23-year-old played well, adding speed to Brazil's attack and creating several scoring opportunities.

Many in Brazil have been calling for Robinho to be included in the team's starting lineup in all matches. He got to play against Japan only because Parreira decided to rest some of the starters.

Robinho was a starter when Brazil won last year's Confederations Cup, helping the team win the title and earning praise from Parreira.

"I hope he gets better, that it's nothing serious and that he's fine in time for the next game," goalkeeper Dida said.

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