Last Updated: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:44
Man Utd target Douglas Costa is out for four weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage while playing for Gremio at the weekend.
The talented teenager, who United want to bring over for a 20-day assessment period ahead of a potential summer bid, arrived at training today on crutches.
The injury virtually puts paid to any hope Sir Alex Ferguson had of luring the 18-year-old to Old Trafford, although the Brazilian club had refused to sanction the trip to Manchester.
Costa has played only a bit-part role for the Gremio senior side and doubts remain about his ability to perform against top defenders or outside South America.
The left-footed forward started Gremio's 3-1 defeat at Sport Recife at the weekend because the club fielded a team of reserves ahead of their vital Copa Libertadores semi-final second leg on Thursday night.
Reports in Brazil claim Costa will not require an operation but has been told to rest for four weeks.