Luiz Gustavo ruled out of Copa America
Brazil suffered its second major injury blow ahead of the Copa America after Luis Gustavo was ruled out of the South American tournament.
Despite playing in Wolfsburg's German Cup triumph over Borussia Dortmund, Gustavo will have surgery performed to repair a meniscus injury in his knee.
Wolfsburg announced that Gustavo will undergo surgery June 8.
The 27-year-old was apparently bothered by the injury in the weeks before the German season concluded, but opted to undergo the procedure in order to be ready for the beginning of next season.
"The damage was greater than expected," Wolsfburg manager Dieter Hecking revealed to German publication Kicker (courtesy of ESPNFC). "It's clear that the tournament makes no sense for him."
Brazil have yet to name his replacement, but Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk), Felipe Anderson (Lazio), Rafinha Alcantara (Barcelona), and Kaka (Orlando City) are options for the Selecao after being named to manager Dunga's stand-by list.
Gustavo joins Marcelo on the sidelines after the left-back was ruled out of the tournament because of acute sciatic pain.