Real Madrid star Kaka said yesterday he was ready to lead Brazil at the World Cup despite coming off a difficult injury-plagued season in Spain.

"I am ready to be one of the leaders of the squad - although the team already has many leaders both technically and tactically," 28-year-old Kaka told reporters following a training session in Johannesburg.

"I have always taken on responsibilities in my life and in my career and this is not a problem for me," added Kaka, who was dogged by a thigh injury at the Bernabeu in his first season since joining Real from Milan last summer for €65 million.

"My condition is improving daily. The injury no longer bothers me even if to start with I was worried as I felt it in each training session.

"There are ten days (to Brazil's first game against North Korea) and I think I'll be fine for the start of the competition," said the 2007 World player of the year.

Bastos injured

Yesterday, left-back Michel Bastos was forced out of training after injuring his right ankle in a challenge with a team-mate.

The 26-year-old Lyon player, who is expected to start for Brazil at the tournament, appeared unable to put his weight on his right foot and was carried from the training pitch by members of the squad's medical staff.

No further information on either the nature or the seriousness of the injury was revealed by the Brazil management.

Brazil, whose final warm-up is in Tanzania on Monday, are in Group G at the World Cup with North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal.