体坛英语新闻：Santos confirms Robinho's absence in classic against Corinthians

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Santos soccer club announced on Friday that star striker Robinho will miss the team's upcoming classic match against Corinthians on February 28.

The reason for the absence is due to his obligation with the Brazilian national team. Brazil will play its last friendly before the 2010 World Cup on March 2, travelling to London to play Ireland.

The Brazilian Confederation of Soccer (CBF) previously said that the player would be unavailable due to his participation in the friendly.

The Santos administration tried hard to work out a deal with the CBF in order to have Robinho available for the 11th round of the Sao Paulo state championship, however, the CBF denied the release of Robinho.

Robinho is expected to board a plane on Saturday in order to meet the rest of his teammates of the national team in London.

Jokingly, Ronaldo, the star striker for Corinthians, spoke personally with Robinho and warned him that he had better not play in Sunday's classic in order to avoid any sort of embarrassment.

The head coach of Santos Dorival Junior has yet to decide between Marquinhos and Madison to fill Robinho's shoes in Sunday's match. Robinho is expected to return to Santos and play in the 12th round of the state championship on March 3 against Paulista.