Big blow to Brazil as Dani Alves ruled out of World Cup

Brazil hit with another major setback as the Paris Saint-Germain defender Dani Alves limped out of the Coupe de France final with a knee injury and will not recover in time to make it to Russia for the FIFA World Cup.

The Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed in a statement that his knee injury makes it 'impossible to call Dani Alves for the period of preparation, friendlies and, consequently, the World Cup.'

The injury to Alves is the second major blow for Brazil who are still sweating on the recovery from foot surgery of star striker Neymar who hasn't played since March.

Alves has played 107 times for Brazil since making his debut in 2006 and looked a certain starter for Tite's team at the World Cup finals in Russia where Brazil are grouped with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia. Tite is due to name his squad on Monday.

PSG coach Unai Emery said he sympathised with Alves missing what would have been his last World Cup. "The doctors have studied what is best for Dani Alves. I am really sorry for him."

Dani Alves, a former Barcelona and Juventus star, has won 38 trophies in his career — a new record secured by PSG's French Cup triumph on Tuesday.

In his 17-year career, he won his first trophy with boyhood club Esporte Clube de Bahia followed by five at Sevilla, 23 with Barcelona, two at Juventus and four so far at PSG.

For Brazil, Alves has secured three winner's medals.