RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil striker Fred has been ruled out of Fluminense's next two matches after suffering a setback in his recovery from a serious thigh injury.

The 30-year-old has struggled for form and fitness in his first three matches of the year in Rio's state championship following more than four months on the sidelines.

He admitted to feeling "hindered" during Fluminense's 1-0 victory over Resende on Wednesday.

According to a statement on the club's website, the former Lyon frontman will miss Fluminense's matches against Bangu and Audax but is expected to return for the local derby against Flamengo on February 8.

"He will be given a customized training program by the football department," the statement said.

Fred is in a race against time to convince Selecao coach Luiz Felipe Scolari he is worthy of a place in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Before his injury, Fred was Brazil's undisputed first-choice centre-forward and won the silver boot award for being the second-top scorer at last year's Confederations Cup with five goals.