体坛英语新闻：Patrik suffers injury in Palmeiras practice, out for a month

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A key member to the recent success of Palmeiras, midfielder Patrik suffered an injury in Thursday's team practice and will be kept from play for at least one month.

During Thursday's training, the 20-year-old hyper-extended his left hamstring. He felt early signs of the injury during his team's previous practice on Wednesday.

The midfielder will be able to play by May 8 at best. However, for the Sao Paulo state championship, Palmeiras may make it to the finals.

During the 2011 state championship, Patrik has scored six goals and is considered to be indispensable by head coach Luis Felipe Scolari.

Luckily for Palmeiras, star midfielder Valdivia is expected to make his return to the starting line-up on April 9 when the team plays Gremio Prudente.

Additionlly, striker Wellington Paulista is expected to receive his official welcoming to the team off a loan from Atletico-MG on Friday.