Brazilian winger Antony has said he and his team-mates are suffering from illness due to the air conditioning used in World Cup stadiums.
The 22-year-old is still a starter in Qatar, with the Manchester United striker coming off the bench in both group stage matches.
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Manchester United winger Antony is yet to start for Brazil at the World Cup
Due to the intense heat in Qatar, most stadiums have air conditioning units installed in their architecture.
The system projects cold air at different speeds onto the pitch from different angles.
Antony, who has missed training twice in the Gulf nation, believes his health is being affected by the units.
And it’s not just the Man United star who has suffered a bout of illness, with Neymar currently suffering from the flu.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, ex-Ajax star Antony said he is still recovering but remains available for boss Tite for their next game against Cameroon.
He said: “It was a bit difficult. I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days which confused me a bit.
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Antony appeared as a substitute in wins over Serbia and Switzerland
“I’m recovering well and I’m getting 100%. It was more of a disease, the throat.
“It was the air conditioning (in the stadiums).
“Not only me, but other players also had a cough and a sore throat.
“It’s very difficult for me to get sick, but I’m happy to be an important part of the team.
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Antony blamed the air conditioning used on the pitch as the reason he felt sick
“Whenever you need Antony, I’m available.”
Spanish duo Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal also had problems with the air conditioning and meant they were on the bench for their opener against Costa Rica.
Although the machines in the Spanish hotel caused the problem, not the system inside the stadiums.
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