Kleberson to miss Brazil's opener against Chile

AREQUIPA (AP) -- Midfielder Kleberson injured a leg muscle on Tuesday that will keep him from playing in Brazil's Copa America opening match against Chile, the team doctor said.

Kleberson injured his left thigh muscle during Brazil's last full practice before its debut in the South American tournament on Thursday.

"We still don't know how serious (the injury) is, but because we are just days before the first match, he won't be able to play," doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said.

Kleberson is one of the most experienced players in Brazil's Copa America roster. The 25-year-old Manchester United midfielder is the only member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup champions in the squad.

His absence in the starting lineup is likely to be felt by the other players. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira had said just days ago that Kleberson was in charge of being one of the team leaders during the competition.

Kleberson's injury was similar to that which almost kept goalkeeper Julio Cesar from playing in the opener, Lasmar said. Cesar, who was hurt in Saturday's practice, was cleared to play.

Lasmar said midfielder Julio Baptista continued to improve from his left ankle tendinitis, but the Sevilla midfielder is not likely to recuperate in time.

On Tuesday, defender Gustavo Nery missed practice because of a stomach illness, but he should return to action on Wednesday, Lasmar said.

Copa America 'extremely important' to Brazil

AREQUIPA, Peru (AP) -- Midfielder Edu said Brazil will not take the Copa America lightly despite fielding an all-new squad.

The Arsenal player said he and his teammates regard the South American tournament as a major test, one that can determine their future in the national team. Brazil opens its campaign against Chile in a Group C match on Thursday.

"The Copa America is extremely important to this group," Edu said. "A bad performance can put a negative mark on the group forever, that's not what we want."

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira called up mostly untested players to the Copa America, hoping to strengthen the team ahead of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers that resume in September.

Edu, who has been key to Arsenal's midfield since arriving at the club three years ago, said the players know it's an opportunity to solidify themselves in the national squad.

"It's an enormous responsibility to wear Brazil's jersey, we need to show we are worth it," Edu said.

The 26-year-old made his first start for Brazil in a 1-1 draw against Chile in June, and will make his second start against the same opponent.

Edu will play alongside Renato, Kleberson and Alex in Brazil's midfield. His main task will be to protect the defense, but Parreira has said Edu also will be important on offense.

"He already knows he also needs to come from behind to help the strikers, I don't want him to be only a marker," Parreira said.

Edu was little known while playing for Corinthians in Brazil. He became recognized only after his successful move to English soccer in January 2001.

Both the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.