GUAYAQUIL, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador captain Enner Valencia could be available for his team's World Cup qualifier against Brazil on Thursday despite spending almost a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Ecuador's all-time leading scorer has missed the past seven games for Brazil's Internacional, but he has not ruled out the possibility of featuring in the match at Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil.
"I'm much better," the 35-year-old forward told reporters upon his arrival in Ecuador on Sunday, without confirming whether he will be ready.
"Brazil is a tough opponent, but it's a game that we have to win. We're at home in front of our fans, and we want to make them happy."
Valencia, who has scored 46 goals in 97 games for his country, is not the only injury concern for Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece.
Doubt also surrounds Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, who has been sidelined since April due to a knee injury.
Last week, Beccacece told reporters that both players were in a "complicated situation", but expressed hope that they would take part either against Brazil or Peru in Lima five days later.
Ecuador is currently second in the 10-team South American qualifying zone with four matchdays remaining. ■
