Kaka left out of Madrid squad for Super Cup

MADRID (AP) — Kaka's place at Real Madrid remains unclear after coach Jose Mourinho left the former Ballon d'Or winner out of his squad for the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at Barcelona on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder was a surprise omission for the first leg at Camp Nou, which Barcelona won 3-2.

"Nothing's changed," Mourinho said after the match. "If I had to make attacking changes I had (Gonzalo) Higuain and (Angel) Di Maria. Kaka didn't fit into my plans."

Kaka has failed to make an impact since joining Madrid from AC Milan in a transfer worth €65 million (then $92 million) three years ago. He struggled with injuries and has failed to secure a regular starting role in two seasons under Mourinho, who has preferred Mesut Oezil and Di Maria in attack.

Mourinho also left defender Ricardo Carvalho and Nuri Sahin out of his Spanish Super Cup squad.