Brazilian superstar Ronaldo shrugged off concerns about his fitness today, insisting he would be fit to start against Turkey in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.
The injury-plagued 25-year-old was substituted in last week's quarter-final win over England after picking up a thigh strain, raising doubts about whether his tired body could last the course.
But after coming through a light training session unscathed today, the Inter Milan star said although he was still not 100 per cent fit he would definitely start against the Turks.
"I'll be ready for Turkey, there is no doubt in my mind about that," said Ronaldo. "It's a relief for me that I could train so easily. I have another day of rest and so by Wednesday I will be fine."
Ronaldo took his normal position in attack for Brazil during a practice match at the Saitama Stadium though was ordered by team doctors not to attempt any of his trademark bursts of speed.
"We told him not to try any sprints, just as a precaution," Brazil team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said. "We have to be careful with him and ease him back gently. But we are optimistic he will be okay to play."
Meanwhile in another scare for Brazil, goalkeeper Marcos limped out of the training session after colliding with his teammate Edilson.
However team doctor Runco played down the incident and said there was no question of Marcos missing the semi-final. "We took him off as a precaution. He's got a bruise on his thigh but he's fine," Runco said.
Juninho Paulista is likely to win a place back in the starting lineup in place of the suspended Ronaldinho. Juninho, who was dropped for the England game, played in midfield during the training session.
AFP