Brazil trio are fitness concerns

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Brazil coach Dunga is sweating on the fitness of a trio of players ahead of Friday's quarter-final clash with Holland.

Galatasaray midfielder Elano, who missed Monday's 3-0 victory over Chile with an ankle problem, was unable to complete training yesterday as the South Americans began their preparations in earnest for the game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury during the 3-1 group stage win over Ivory Coast and was substituted shortly after scoring his side's final goal.

Elano's fitness concerns represent a real worry for Dunga, who also has Felipe Melo struggling with a similar problem, while Julio Baptista is battling to shake off a knock he picked up during the 0-0 first-round draw with Portugal.

To make matters worse, fellow midfielder Ramires is suspended for the quarter-final after receiving his second yellow card of the competition against Chile.