Kaka Injury: Updates on Orlando City Star's Status and Return

Orlando City captain Kaka will not be able to participate in Copa America Centenario for the Brazil national team due to a muscle injury.

Continue for updates.

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Ganso to Replace Kaka in Copa America Centenario

Wednesday, June 1

Brazilian journalist Paulo Freitas reported the news on Kaka, citing former goalkeeper and general national team coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi as the source of information.

Orlando City SC confirmed Kaka's status, and Freitas added the 34-year-old would need 15-20 days without training.

Jack Lang of ESPN FC highlighted how Brazil have had to do considerable roster reshuffling even before Kaka's injury:

Brazil begins their Copa America tournament on Saturday with a match against Ecuador. The Canarinho have won the continental football competition title eight times, which ranks third to Uruguay's 15 and Argentina's 14.

This year marks the first time the tournament won't be hosted on South American soil, going to the USA instead.

Although they haven't won the past two titles, Brazil has come out on top in the tournament in four of their past seven outings. They will need to figure out a way to bolster the attack without Kaka roaming the midfield, though.

And Kaka is far from the only marquee Brazilian player not suiting up for Copa America. As Freitas reported, Rafinha, Ederson, Ricardo Oliveira and Douglas Costa will also be out of action.

Brazil has their work cut out to seize the Copa America trophy for the first time since 2007 with all those key absences. Neymar was also declared out for the tournament back in April.