The Brazilian soccer team participating in the Pre-Olympics in Venezuela is facing a setback as two of its crucial players, Michel and Kaiki Bruno, have been ruled out due to injuries. On Thursday, right before their final group match, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made an announcement regarding the departure of these players because of muscle injuries in their right thighs.
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Michel, a defender from Palmeiras, and Kaiki Bruno, a left-back from Cruzeiro, were key players for coach Ramon Menezes, having started in the initial matches against Bolivia and Colombia. Unfortunately, they were sidelined for the recent match against Ecuador.
Classificada com uma rodada de antecedência para o quadrangular final, a Seleção Brasileira está definida para a partida contra a Venezuela, nosso último jogo pela primeira fase do Pré-Olímpico! 💪 🇧🇷
As equipes se enfrentam a partir das 20h, no estádio Brígido Iriarte, com… pic.twitter.com/gZZXtsYIVE
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) February 1, 2024
According to the CBF’s statement, the team’s medical officer for the tournament, Gustavo Dutra, confirmed that the injuries would prevent the athletes from participating in any future games of the tournament, which concludes on February 11th. The competition serves as a qualifier for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, with two teams from South America set to qualify.
In a detailed statement from the CBF, it was disclosed that,
“Athletes Kaiki Bruno, from Cruzeiro, and Michel, from Palmeiras, were withdrawn from the Brazilian Pre-Olympic Team this Thursday due to muscle injuries. Kaiki Bruno’s diagnosis came after an MRI exam revealed an injury to his right thigh, following discomfort felt towards the end of the match against Colombia on January 26, in Caracas. Similarly, Michel’s right thigh injury was confirmed by an MRI, after he had to be substituted in the early stages of the Colombia match. Doctor Gustavo Dutra of the Brazilian team has assessed that neither Kaiki Bruno nor Michel will be fit to participate in any further matches in the Pre-Olympic tournament.”
This shows how injuries can shake up a team’s plans and impact their performance in big games.
