The growing list of injuries to high-profile players ahead of the World Cup has become a concern for Brazil.
England captain Rio Ferdinand, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and other top players have been hurt just days before the tournament is to begin.
``Everybody was talking about this after our practice ended,'' Brazil reserve striker Grafite said Saturday. ``It's tough. You have to be careful. We have a lot of players who just finished their season and we don't want anybody missing the World Cup.''
Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup after injuring ligaments in his left knee in England's practice on Friday, while Drogba is in danger of not playing after breaking his right arm in a warmup against Japan the same day.
Other players with injuries before the tournament's opener on June 11 are Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, Chile striker Humberto Suazo and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, who also was ruled out.
FIFA allows teams to replace injured players up to one day before their opener.
``It's sad because we know these players wanted to play,'' Brazil right back Maicon said. ``Of course, things will be easier when we play England and the Ivory Coast because they are good players, but ultimately it's sad not to have them in a competition like this one.''
Brazil coach Dunga has said doctors have been trying to balance the team's preparation ahead of the World Cup to try to avoid injuries. The players underwent a series of exams before arriving in South Africa and have been spending much of the time in Johannesburg trying to improve their physical condition.
``There might be occasions in which the best training is done at the gym, to get players in good condition following their long seasons,'' Dunga said.
Brazil has had two injury scares since arriving in South Africa on its quest to win a record sixth World Cup title.
Starting goalkeeper Julio Cesar injured his back in Brazil's 3-0 win over Zimbabwe on Wednesday and missed two days of practice before returning to action on Saturday. He joined the rest of the players but practiced with reduced intensity, and substitute Gomes was in goal when the regular starters faced the reserves.
Starting left back Michel Bastos had to leave a practice session on Friday after being hit on the right ankle in a challenge with midfielder Elano. He limped off the field but also recovered in time for Saturday's training.
Dunga has not made any requests for players to take it easy in practice, but they acknowledge they are not going 100 percent at all times.
``We can't go in too hard and risk injuring a teammate,'' Grafite said.
Brazil arrived with playmaker Kaka and striker Luis Fabiano nursing left thigh injuries, but they have been practicing normally and are not a concern for the team's World Cup opener against North Korea on June 15 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
After playing the North Koreans in the opener, Brazil will face the Ivory Coast and then Portugal in its last Group G match.
