Brazilian Soccer Star Kaka out for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Brazilian Soccer Star Kaka had arthroscopic knee surgery last week and will miss Brazil’s exhibition tour to the United States.
The surgery lasted 50 minutes and was performed by Dr. Jose Luiz Runco, the head physician of the Brazilian national soccer team, Eliane Belleza of the Pasteur Hospital said. Kaka, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, is expected to leave the hospital Friday.
The 26-year-old, who stars for AC Milan in the Italian League, will miss matches against Canada at Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela at Foxborough, Mass., on June 6. Kaka hopes to return for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina on June 18.
“Dr. Runco didn’t set any timeframe,” Belleza said. “It varies from player to player. We have to wait and see.”
AC Milan midfielder Kaka left the hospital Saturday after successful arthroscopic knee surgery and will begin physical therapy to prepare for two World Cup qualifiers next month.”I’m going to get ready. The doctor said I have a chance” to play, Kaka said in a televised interview as he left the Pasteur Hospital.
Dr. Jose Luiz Runco, the head physician of the Brazilian national team, operated on the 26-year-old Friday. He said the operation was a success but declined to set a timetable for Kaka’s return.
It’s certain that Kaka, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, will miss Brazil’s friendlies against Canada in Seattle on May 31, and Venezuela in Boston on June 6.
His goal is to return for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina on June 18. Brazil trails the two in the race to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
