The playmaker Kaka is set to make a much-needed return for Brazil when they face table-propping Peru in a World Cup qualifier tonight. The AC Milan player missed Sunday's 1-1 draw in Ecuador when Brazil, devoid of any midfield creativity, were hopelessly outplayed and needed a world-class performance from goalkeeper Julio Cesar to avoid a heavy defeat. Kaka has been troubled by a foot injury at Milan for more than a month and insinuated that he was not happy with the treatment at the Italian club.
"In the last five weeks, I haven't improved as much as I have here in one week," he said. "I can see that I'm in a condition to play, although I don't know for how long. I'd like to play from the start." Brazil, who have drawn six of their 11 matches in the 10-team South American qualifying group, have dropped to fourth with 18 points, the lowest position in which they could finish and qualify directly for South Africa 2010.
A fifth-place finish would mean a two-leg play-off against the fourth CONCACAF team Brazil's consolation is that they face demoralised opponents. A 3-1 home defeat by bitter rivals Chile on Sunday was the low point for Peru in a campaign which has already seen them lose 6-0 in Uruguay, 5-1 in Ecuador and 3-0 in Bolivia Coach Jose del Solar, who has controversially declined to pick German-based strikers Jefferson Farfan and Claudio Pizarro because of an alleged act of indiscipline 18 months ago, has said that he will consider his future after the game at the Beira-Rio.
Brazil have been hit by several logistical problems during the current campaign and those were exacerbated by a 15-hour journey back from Peru, including two unsheduled stops for refuelling. * With agencies Brazil v Peru Abu Dhabi Sports 1 (ko 5.50am)
