Marcelo out of Copa America

Brazil have been dealt a blow in their preparations for the Copa America with the news that Marcelo will miss the tournament due to a back injury.

The Real Madrid full-back was battling the problem in the latter stages of the season with his club, and it has been decided that he will be replaced by Internacional's Geferson.

"We were told by Real Madrid doctors that, in a training session, he went to jump and since then he's been suffering severe pain in the lumbar region," Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told AS.

"We did some tests and he won't be able to start to train with us on Monday. He'd need around three weeks, more or less, to be able to train. Today he has real problems, he can't walk. There's no other solution."

Brazil will meet Mexico and Honduras in friendlies before beginning their campaign against Peru on June 14.