Brazil back to full strength
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Johannesburg - Kaka, Elano and Robinho are set to return to Brazil's starting lineup for the second-round match against Chile on Monday, giving the team a much-needed offensive boost.?
Coach Dunga may not be able to count on defensive midfielder Felipe Melo, however, who injured his left ankle in Brazil's 0-0 draw against Portugal on Friday. Reserve midfielder Julio Baptista hurt his left knee also in the teams' final Group G match and may not be available.
Kaka will be back after his suspension from being sent off against Ivory Coast, while Elano should be fit after recovering from a right ankle injury that left him out of Friday's match in Durban.
"I'm upbeat because I practiced normally and didn't feel any pain," Elano told the Brazilian football federation on Saturday.
Robinho was rested against Portugal after a minor left thigh problem, but Brazil doctor Jose Luis Runco said the striker can return against Chile.
"I would have played against Portugal if it was a decisive match and Brazil hadn't advanced yet," Robinho said.
Without the three playmakers, Brazil struggled to create scoring opportunities and failed to get past Portugal's defense at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The result still gave Brazil first place in the group, but halted its seven-match winning streak. The five-time champion hadn't been held scoreless since a 0-0 home draw with Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier last October.
Dunga said the absence of the three regular starters, especially Robinho, played a part in Brazil's failure to score against Portugal.
"Robinho could've given us an edge," Dunga said. "He can make a difference with his dribbles when there is not a lot of space, like it was the case against Portugal."
Elano had scored a goal in each of Brazil's first two matches, and Kaka and Robinho each had assists.
Daniel Alves replaced Elano on Friday, while Julio Baptista came in for Kaka and Nilmar for Robinho. Nilmar came close to giving Brazil a goal when his close-range shot was tipped on to a post by goalkeeper Eduardo in the 30th minute.
Felipe Melo was substituted by Josue just before halftime, and Runco said the Juventus player is doubtful to face the Chileans at Ellis Park. He twisted his ankle in a hard challenge from Portugal defender Pepe, going down hard when the Brazil-born player came from behind and appeared to step on his foot.
Pepe received a yellow card for the foul. Felipe Melo minutes earlier had also received a yellow for a hard foul on Pepe.
Felipe Melo has been a regular starter in Dunga's team since making the squad just before last year's Confederations Cup, which he helped Brazil win. Wolfsburg's Josue, which hasn't play much with Brazil recently, will probably replace him against the Chileans.
Dunga may also not be able to count on midfielder Julio Baptista, who replaced the suspended Kaka against Portugal. Julio Baptista twisted his left knee and was replaced by Ramires in the 82nd minute.
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