Fernandinho has given Manchester City a fresh injury concern after playing for Brazil at the Copa America.
The 34-year-old midfield ace was spotted training with protection on his right knee after reporting pain in the joint.
The Blues star is expected to be fit for Thursday’s quarter-final clash with Paraguay, but City medics will note that the problem is with the right knee which he damaged in blocking a shot from Paul Pogba in the 2-0 derby win over Manchester United in April.
Fernandinho was sent for a scan, and with manager Pep Guardiola being vague in subsequent injury updates, he ended up missing the last four games of the season.
He was declared fit to return to action with Brazil after being out in the cold for the Selecao for the entire season following a poor World Cup last summer.
But after being injured while playing as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Venezuela, he missed the 5-0 win over Peru which booked a place in the last eight.
He has trained for the last two days, but with two bandages on the knee.
Brazil are keen to get Fernandinho fit as their other defensive midfielder, Casemiro, is suspended for the next game.
Coach Tite has made the City man his first choice in the role, although City might have been happier had he taken the summer off to rest his ageing body.
The Blues are hopeful of signing Atletico Madrid star Rodri to provide Fernandinho with competition and to be a long-term replacement.
