Edmilson injury: Good for Gilberto?
May 31, 2006
Edmilson has been ruled out of the 2006 World Cup after picking up a knee injury.
A statement on Brazil’s official website said ‘After a meeting between the coaching staff, the team captain Cafu and Edmilson at the Thermoplan Stadium, Edmilson was told he has been removed from the Brazilian squad that will play in the World Cup on Germany.’
Coincidentally the Champions League winner may be replaced in the team by Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, with Edmilson’s squad place taken by Mineiro of Sao Paulo.
Edmilson suffered the injury to his right knee in training on Monday, and a scan confirmed that he would play no part in the tournament for the champions.
I don’t like to say that players getting injured is a good thing. Edmilson’s injury is a horrible thing to happen – especially just before the World Cup.
But; Gilberto may play more games as a result of Edmilson’s removal from the squad. If Emerson picks up a knock between now and Brazil’s last world cup game, Gilberto will definitely be drafted in. I personally think that Gilberto should replace Emerson, but Emerson is a highly respected player in the Selecao, and used to be Brazil captain.
Go Gilberto, get your place in the first team back!