Brazil goalkeeper injured in motorcycle accident

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -- Brazilian World Cup goalkeeper Marcos is likely to miss the start of the new season after suffering cuts and bruises in a motorcycle accident, his club Palmeiras said on Wednesday.

"It was a minor fall and nothing serious happened," team doctor Mauricio Bezerra told the Sao Paulo-based club's official website.

"They are superficial injuries but do not heal overnight. He suffered cuts and bruises to his back, right leg and right foot and they will take seven to 10 days to heal."

The club said the accident happened on December 24 during the close season, but did not give any further details.

Marcos, who played in all seven matches for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup as the South Americans won the tournament for the fifth time, helped Palmeiras win promotion to the Brazilian championship first division at the first attempt last year.

He has lost his place in the Brazil team to AC Milan's Dida but is still a regular in the squad.

Brazil's 2004 season starts next week with regional championships such as the Paulista and Carioca. The Brazilian championship does not begin until April.

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