Robinho nursing ankle injury ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifiers

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Striker Robinho practised separately from his teammates on Wednesday to treat an ankle injury ahead of Brazil's qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup.

Robinho was still nursing the left-foot injury sustained 10 days ago while playing for Real Madrid, but was expected to recover in time for Brazil's match against Colombia on Sunday in Bogota.

"Robinho is fine," team doctor Jose Luis Runco told reporters at the training camp outside Rio de Janeiro. "He will be practising again soon. He still feels a little bit of pain, but it shouldn't be a problem for the opener."

Robinho was the only player on Brazil's injury list as the team prepares for the South American qualifying tournament.

Brazil will also play Ecuador next Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro.

The five-time world champion, coached by former player Dunga, will play two other qualifying matches later this year - against Peru and Uruguay in November.