SAITAMA (Japan), June 22: Brazil striker Ronaldo could miss Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal because of an injury to his left thigh, said team doctor Jose Luis Runco on Saturday.

“At times these injuries take longer than you expect. If it doesn’t improve with treatment then he will not be released for the game on Wednesday,” he said.

“He is still a doubt. Just time will tell but he hasn’t got a serious injury.” Ronaldo was substituted in the second half of the 1-0 quarterfinal defeat of England.

Runco said the injury had nothing to do with any of the knee injuries that had disrupted his career for the past two years.

“Since March 9 we have said that Ronaldo is in the same state as any other athlete. This is a common (injury) problem which could affect any other footballer.”—Reuters