Marta out for Brazil's 2019 World Cup Opener vs. Jamaica Due to Thigh Injury
Brazil forward Marta has officially been ruled out of her team's Women's World Cup opener against Jamaica on Sunday as she continues her recovery from a thigh injury.
Per ESPN FC, team manager Vadao confirmed she won't be ready in time for the contest.
The six-time FIFA Player of the Year remains a key figure for the Selecao, even at the age of 33. While her scoring numbers have declined on the club level in recent years, she's expected to be the focal point of Brazil's attack in this tournament.
The Selecao have underwhelmed on the international stage in recent years―they haven't made it to the World Cup semi-finals since 2007―and enter this year's tournament in horrendous form, losing all of their matches in 2019.
Per football writer Grant Wahl, little has gone right for the South American giants:
They'll face Jamaica, Australia and Italy in Group C. The Matildas are the highest-ranked team and favourites in the group, while the Italians are seen as Brazil's biggest threat for a second-place finish.
Jamaica are making their World Cup debut and are not expected to threaten Brazil much, even if Marta won't feature. The team's second match, against Australia on Thursday, is far more crucial, and having the veteran scorer back for that outing will be key.
According to Vadao, she could be fit in time.
