Edmilson out of World Cup

Edmilson will miss Brazil's defence of the World Cup after picking up a knee injury.

Edmilson will miss Brazil's defence of their World Cup crown after picking up a knee injury.

The versatile Barcelona ace hurt his knee during a training session on Monday and it is serious enough to rule him out of the World Cup.

The 29-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, underwent an MRI scan to learn the full extent of the injury.

Following a team meeting on Wednesday, the decision was made to withdraw Edmilson from Carlos Alberto Parreira's World Cup squad.

He had featured in Tuesday's 8-0 friendly thrashing of FC Lucerne, but is clearly still feeling the effects of the training ground knock.

A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) confirmed the former Lyon star would play no part in Germany.

"After a meeting between the coaching staff, the team captain Cafu and Edmilson at The Thermoplan Stadium, Edmilson was told he has been removed from the Brazilian squad that will play in the World Cup in Germany," read the statement on the CBF's website.

The World Cup holders have opted to call up Sao Paulo midfielder Mineiro as Edmilson's replacement.