Brazil’s president cancels Russia trip after injuring head

Getty ImagesBrazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has cancelled a trip to Russia after injuring his head in an accident at home on Saturday.
The 78-year-old was scheduled to travel on Sunday afternoon for the Brics summit – a grouping of major developing countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
A top hospital in capital Brasília said it advised the president to avoid long-haul flights temporarily.
He will now participate in the meetings via video link instead.
In a statement, the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in Brasília said the president was advised against long-distance travel, but is able to continue other activities as normal.
It added that Lula suffered a laceration to the back of his head and is being monitored by doctors.
The president's office said he will take part in the summit virtually from Brasília and will continue his other work.
His office did not disclose any details about his injury.
Citing doctors at the hospital, local media said the president was sent home on Saturday after receiving five stitches.
He then returned to the hospital on Sunday morning for a follow-up and was later sent home, local media said.