After injuring his shoulder in the final match of the Italian Serie A season, Brazil and A.C. Milan forward Pato is set to miss the 2011 Copa America. He was substituted out of Milan's match against Udinese in the 71st minute, and according to A.C. Milan team physician Maurizio Gevi, Pato will be in a cast for at least a month, but will not require surgery on his injured shoulder.
Brazil, AC Milan Forward Pato Out Of Copa America With Shoulder Injury
Pato was Milan's joint leading scorer in the league, matching Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 14 goals. Mano Manezes has not yet named his team for Copa America, but Pato was widely regarded as a lock to make the roster. Other forwards that were virtual locks include Neymar and Robinho. The likely candidates for other striker spots in the Brazil squad are Hulk, Luis Fabiano, Jonas, Fred, Nilmar, and Leandro Damiao. While the loss of Pato is sure to hurt the team, Manezes has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.
See More:
