With Neymar dominated out for not less than yet one more match, Brazil coach Tite should now begin occupied with a alternative – and this time he has loads of choices.
Brazil are now not as depending on Neymar as earlier than, and Tite might go numerous alternative ways to switch the Paris Saint-Germain ahead for Monday’s Group G match in opposition to Switzerland.
Neymar injured his proper ankle in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win in opposition to Serbia on Thursday. He has ligament harm and workforce medical doctors have not given a timetable for his restoration – or whether or not he’ll recuperate in any respect.
Tite introduced 9 forwards into the World Cup, and will additionally add a midfielder as a alternative for Neymar if desired. The most easy possibility could be to make use of Rodrygo in Neymar’s place, preserving Rafinha, Vinicius Junior and Richardson in assault. Rodrigo performs extra as an attacker in Real Madrid, however he has educated in Neymar’s “no”. 10″ playmaking positions whereas in Qatar with Brazil.
Another possibility could be to place an additional midfielder in Neymar’s place – Manchester United’s Fred or Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, for instance – liberating up attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who performed nearer to defensive midfielder Casemiro in opposition to Serbia.
Another attacking midfielder accessible for Tite is Everton Ribeiro, whereas the opposite forwards within the squad are Gabriel Jesus, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli and Pedro.
Neymar drew probably the most consideration from the powerful Serbian defence, which troubled him from the outset. He was fouled 9 occasions through the sport, probably the most by any participant within the first spherical of group stage matches on the World Cup.
Neymar is Brazil’s second all-time high scorer with 75 targets, two behind Pelé’s report with the nationwide workforce. The final time he was dominated out of the World Cup – in 2014 with a again damage within the quarter-finals in opposition to Colombia – Brazil went down 7-1 to Germany within the semi-finals.
Tite will be unable to depend on proper again Danilo, who additionally sprained his ankle in opposition to Serbia. Danilo could possibly be changed by veteran Daniel Alves, though Tite might additionally use central defender Eder Militão in that place.
Brazil, in search of their first World Cup title in 20 years, will face Cameroon of their final group match. If Cameroon doesn’t beat Serbia in its second group match, it might probably attain the final 16 with a win on Monday.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
