ULSAN (South Korea), June 2: Brazil’s World Cup hopes suffered a significant blow Sunday when captain Emerson was ruled out of the competition with a dislocated shouulder in a bizarre training incident.

The AS Roma player, entrusted by coach Luis Felipe Scolari to do the defensive work in midfield, was playing in goal in a light-hearted practice match when he fell awkwardly on his shoulder, team doctor Jose Luis Runco told reporters.

Brazil, who will have to reshuffle their team when they open their campaign against Turkey Monday, had previously been free of the injury problems that had afflicted most of their rivals.

Neither Vampeta nor Gilberto Silva, Emerson’s most likely replacements in the side, have played in the World Cup before.

Ricardinho of Corinthians was called up to take Emerson’s place in the squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Sunday. The 26-year-old, who has six caps, is a more attacking left-sided midfielder than Brazil’s injured captain.

Emerson, who was called up as a last minute replacement himself for the 1998 World Cup after an injury to striker Romario, was surrounded by his team mates and lay on the pitch for about 10 minutes before being taken off.

He learned in the dressing room that his World Cup dream was over.

“During the training Emerson suffered a dislocation of his right shoulder and unfortunately he needs around four weeks to be able to practise,” said Runco.

“Therefore his participation in the World Cup has been made impossible and we are asking FIFA if we can bring in another athlete.

“He was extremely upset but understood the situation.”

It is not clear how Scolari will overcome the loss of his captain. He could decide that Vampeta and Gilberto Silva are too inexperienced to fulfil Emerson’s role alone and opt instead to field both and sacrifice one of the attacking midfielders, most likely Juninho.

Although Scolari is a great admirer of Emerson his presence in the team has been controversial. Critics say he commits too many fouls and lacks technique.

Emerson, who has played 42 full internationals, made a strong impression the moment he put on a Brazil shirt against Ecuador in a friendly in 1997.

The 26-year-old was twice thrown into the fray as a substitute during the 1998 World Cup and performed with great personality.

He also held his nerve as he took one of the penalties and scored in the shootout at the end of the semi-final against the Netherlands.

Emerson began his career under Scolari at Gremio, a club based in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

He overcame a serious knee injury early in his career and went on to win the Brazilian championship in 1996 and Copa Brasil one year later.

He then moved to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, spending three seasons there before joining AS Roma where he won the Italian championship last year.—Reuters