Elano ruled out of Copa Libertadores clash

Rio de Janeiro, March 15 (IANS) Former Brazil international midfielder Elano has been ruled out of Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores clash with Bolivar next Wednesday with a thigh strain.

“Unfortunately Elano will not be fit,” Xinhua quoted Flamengo coach Jayme de Almeida as saying. “He is always a great help to the younger players but for now we have to do without him.

The 32-year-old suffered a reoccurrence of the injury during the teams’ 2-2 draw at the Maracana stadium Wednesday.

Almeida lamented the absence of the former Manchester City playmaker for the return leg in La Paz.

“Thankfully we have players who can step up and we are going to go there with the aim of picking up the points that we lost at the Maracana.”

Flamengo are currently second in Group 7 with four points from three matches while Bolivar are last with two points. Ecuador’s Emelec lead the group with six points.