Denilson May Play for FCD Saturday

• Dallas Morning News, Friday, August 31, 2007 3:30 PM

FC Dallas' new designated player Denilson received his work permit on Thursday, which means the 2002 World Cup winner could make his MLS debut as early as this Saturday against D.C. United. However, before Denilson is cleared to play, FCD has to release one of the four players currently occupying its international slots.

The Brazilian's countryman Marcelo Saragosa is the man likely to make way for his arrival. Saragosa, injured for much of the season with knee trouble, tore his meniscus on July 4 against Chivas. The 25-year-old has played with the injury for the last six weeks, but will likely be put on the season-ending injury list today -- a move that would prevent FCD from making a trade or releasing any players. Saragosa undergoes surgery in approximately two weeks.

Denilson became the league's fifth designated player when he signed with Dallas last week. The rule allows clubs to sign one player for as much money as they want without having that player's salary count more than $400K against the league's salary cap. David Beckham was the first designated player, followed by Claudio Reyna, Juan Pablo Angel, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and now, Denilson.

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