BRASÍLIA, June 23 — Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o remains a serious doubt for tomorrow’s World Cup Group A clash with Brazil in Brasilia as he continues to struggle with a knee injury.

The 33-year-old played no part in training with the rest of the Cameroon squad at the impressive National Stadium, preferring instead to chat with members of the Cameroonian police who are accompanying the squad and watch the session from the dugout.

The striker injured his right knee in the Indomitable Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Mexico in Natal on June 13 and has not trained since, playing no part in the 4-0 loss to Croatia in Manaus last Wednesday.

When asked about Eto’o’s chances of playing against Brazil, coach Volker Finke said: “It’s the same situation as before the Croatia game.

“He is working individually. That is why he has not trained with the squad, but he is still performing his role as captain.

“For tomorrow, it is uncertain. Maybe he can help out for a few minutes, but to start the game it is probably impossible.”

Having lost their first two matches, Cameroon are already guaranteed to be going home after tomorrow’s game.

However, veteran German coach Finke, 66, dismissed speculation that Eto’o might be about to call time on his international career.

“I don’t think it’s the moment. He has two, three or maybe four years left,” said the coach of a player who has won 118 caps since making his international debut as a 15-year-old in 1997.

“He really has a small problem just now with his knee and needs a few weeks to be in full health.”

Meanwhile, Finke said he hopes Cameroon can finish on a high note after a disastrous World Cup campaign which has been overshadowed by a bonuses row, Eto’o’s injury and an on-pitch bust-up against Croatia which saw left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto head-butt Benjamin Moukandjo.

“I think everyone has seen behaviour that is unacceptable. The players need to be an example for everyone, (but) I am not somebody who makes big speeches calling for drastic punishments.

“We have prepared for this match as if it were a decisive match. We will not give up.

“Nobody wants to leave the country with a bad impression. We need to show different a face to save our reputation — that of the team, of the players and of Cameroonian football.”

Finke also said that he knew nothing of suggestions that the encounter — which Brazil need to at least draw to be certain of progressing to the last 16 — might be vulnerable to match-fixers.

“It must be a rumour and I’ve not even heard it spoken about yet. Knowing the team as I do, for me it is impossible. We don’t need to worry about that, I’m sure.”

FIFA’s Head of Security Ralf Mutschke had claimed that the game was “more of a risk than the opening game or the final,” at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. — AFP