Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has cancelled his planned trip to Russia for the upcoming BRICS summit after being hospitalised in Brasilia following an accident at home on Saturday that left him with a bruised head, his office said on Sunday.

The group is holding its 16th summit in the Russian city of Kazan from 22 to 24 October.

Lula da Silva, 78, “will not travel to the BRICS summit” on medical advice to avoid long journeys, his office said in a statement.

However, the president will participate in the summit via video link from Brasilia, where he will continue his regular work schedule next week.

Lula da Silva was taken to hospital in Brasilia after suffering a ‘bruise’ on the back of his head.