NEWS: Brazil striker Robinho is set to miss the Copa America over a row with his club Real Madrid, according to reports.
China’s Xinhua news agency — normally a reliable source of information — says that the Brazil Football Confederation told a Brazilian radio station that there is scant hope of the 23-year-old (pictured above) playing in Venezuela.
Brazil are refusing to let Robinho play in Real Madrid’s crucial final Spanish league match on Sunday because it is so close to the start of the Copa America.
But the club could play him anyway — despite the threat of a points deduction — in a match which could see them win the league title.
Robinho’s agent, Vagner Ribero, told UOL Sport: “I’m sure that he will play on Sunday. It is the most important game of the year.”
CBF spokesman Rodrigo Paiva told Radio Bandeirantes: “We are not going to let go over Robinho. We have the right to have the player at this phase of Copa America training.
“Whenever we need Real Madrid to co-operate, help is not forthcoming.”
Robinho’s withdrawal would leave Brazil with few familiar attacking options as they try to defend the Copa America title they won in Peru three years ago.
Ronaldinho, Kaka and Adriano all asked to miss this summer’s tournament so that they could rest. And coach Dunga (right) chose to overlook Ronaldo until the World Cup qualifiers start later in the year.
The remaining forwards in the squad are Vagner Love of CSKA Moscow, Fred (Lyon), Afonso Alves (Heerenveen) and Julio Baptista (Real Madrid).
The favourites to replace Robinho would be Jo, of CSKA Moscow, Rafael Sobis (Real Betis) or Carlos Eduardo (Gremio).
