Brazil has faced two further injury blows ahead of its round of 16 match against South Korea on Monday.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering knee injuries in a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in their last group stage match.
The pair underwent scans after the match and the severity of the injury was enough to rule them out for any further cation in Qatar.
Brazil are also sweating over the fitness of Neymar and defender Alex Sandro ahead of the decisive knockout clash.
The PSG star has not played since suffering ankle inflammation in the first group game Brazil beat Serbia 2-0. However, Athletic has reported that the 30-year-old striker’s participation against South Korea is a possibility.
Neymar had started strength training in the gym earlier and also walked onto the pitch, greeting supporters after the loss to Cameroon.
Asked about the presence of Neymar and Alex Sandro in the round of 16, the team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, said: “We still have a chance. They haven’t had chances to train with the ball yet.”
Flexibility key for Brazil
PSG central defender Marquinhos had to slot into the left-back position in the closing stages against Cameroon and might need to start against South Korea in the same position if he worries about another injury, Danilo doesn’t recover.
However, the Juventus defender is back in training for his national team and it could be a tough decision for coach Tite before kick-off.
The South American side have been far from their best in their last two group matches and must step up their game against the Koreans as the World Cup enters a crucial moment.
La Selecao face an energetic South Korean side who defied all odds by beating Portugal 2-1 in their last group game to qualify for the round of 16.
Photo credit: IMAGO/Xinhua
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