RIO DE JANEIRO - KAKA has improved from his left foot injury but remains doubtful for Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Sunday.

Kaka, who injured his foot while playing for AC Milan this month, missed practice for the third consecutive day on Thursday.

'He is improving,' team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said.

'But he wouldn't be able to play if the game was today.'

Kaka said on Wednesday he was willing to play with some pain on Sunday, but only if it doesn't limit his actions and his ability to contribute to the team.

'He will give us an indication on how he's feeling and we will evaluate that,' Dr Runco said.

'It will be a day-to-day decision.'

Kaka arrived at the team's training center outside Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday with the squad, and has been undergoing treatment every day while the rest practice.

Brazil faces Ecuador in Quito, then hosts Peru three days later in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

The five-time world champions are second in South American qualifying, six points behind leader Paraguay and one point ahead of both Argentina and Chile. -- AP