PHILADELPHIA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Veteran defender Bastos has been cut from Botafogo's FIFA Club World Cup squad due to the recurrence of a knee injury, the Brazilian club said on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Angola international was an unused substitute in Botafogo's 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Monday after appearing to recover from an injury that has sidelined him since February.

But he subsequently complained of discomfort and will return to Brazil for treatment.

Botafogo finished second in Group B and will meet Brazilian rivals Palmeiras in the round of 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Bastos, capped 58 times for Angola, has made 60 appearances across all competitions for the Rio de Janeiro club following his 2023 move from Al-Ahli.

He was a part of the Botafogo team that won last year's Copa Libertadores - South America's top club trophy - and Brazilian Serie A title. ■