[funkdoctorspock]

We were fully waiting until July 1st to begin the 08-09 injury thread, but a rather depressing injury scary happened last night in a world cup qualifer. Brazil v Argentina.

Seems Javier Mashcherano put in a rather clumsy challenge on Anderson. He was stretchered off and today will be undergoing a scan.

Its either cruciate ligament damage or a twisted knee. Lets hope for the latter.

Losing Anderson for a portion of the season will be massive.

Anderson suffers knee injury

United midfielder Anderson will undergo a scan today after injuring his knee in Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Argentina on Wednesday night.

Anderson fell awkwardly under a first-half challenge from Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano and was stretchered from the field.

Some reports speculate the 20-year-old may have suffered cruciate ligament damage, while others claim it’s nothing more than a twist. Brazil’s medical staff are expected to make a full assessment on Thursday.

The draw leaves Brazil with nine points from their first six World Cup qualifiers, in fourth position behind Colombia, Argentina and surprise leaders Paraguay.

Source

UPDATE:

Anderson's knee injury is not as serious as first feared, according to Brazil team doctor Jose Luiz Runco.

The Manchester United midfielder was stretchered off in the first-half of Brazil's 0-0 draw with Argentina in their World Cup qualifier after twisting his left knee.

Runco is still awaiting the results of further scans, but believes that the damage sustained by the Old Trafford man is not serious.

Twist

He said: "Anderson felt an injury to his knee, a twist.

"However, it doesn't seem so serious. We will be sure only after the MRI scans."

Anderson had been selected to play for the Under 23 side in a friendly in Volta Redonda against a combination of Rio de Janeiro-based players on Sunday.

Runco added: "Only after the scans will we be able to make a decision about Anderson's participation in Sunday's match."

Source