Brazil's Alves doubtful for Copa America

FC Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves has revealed he is under an injury cloud ahead of next month's centenary edition of the Copa America in the United States.

The 33-year-old said on Tuesday that he has been playing with plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury affecting the sole of the foot, since November, reports Xinhua.

"I have been injured for the past six months. It's been uncomfortable but it hasn't stopped me from playing," Alves was quoted as saying by Brazilian news portal Globoesporte.

"I've been receiving treatment. I want to be 100 percent to help my country. It's a great honour to play for my country and when I get called up there won't be any tiredness. But I have to be at my best physically to be able to give my best. If I'm not 100 percent fit, I won't play."

Brazil will already be without Alves' Barcelona colleague Neymar for the continental tournament.

The forward was left out of the squad after the Catalan club said it would not release him for both the Copa America and Olympics to be held between August 5 to 21.

Brazil will begin their Copa America campaign against Ecuador in Pasadena on June 4.

--IANS

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