Admin AdminBrazil is expected to name Fred as a replacement for superstar Neymar in their starting lineup.
In Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia in their opening match at the Qatar World Cup, Neymar, 30, left the game due to an injury.
This has made room for Fred, a contentious Manchester United player, to start.
Antony and Rodrygo, two more logical attacking replacements for Brazil manager Tite, are available for selection.
But when they play Switzerland later today, he plans to choose Fred, 29, to help free up defensive responsibility for Lucas Paqueta.
By stating: “Sometimes we see it in the movies where someone who isn’t the star steals the scene,” Tite made a subtle allusion to the change.
Bruno Guimaraes, a star for Newcastle, is also being considered for a promotion to the bench, but Fred’s recent relationships with Casemiro at the club and for Brazil may influence the choice.
After sustaining ligament damage in his ankle, there were concerns that Neymar’s tournament was over. The attacker posted a picture of his swollen foot and the compression boot he is wearing to Instagram, raising those concerns.
Neymar’s recovery, along with that of injured full back Danilo, is progressing well, according to Tite, but the Paris Saint-Germain star might not play again until the knockout stages.
Tite added: “I believe both Neymar and Danilo will play again in the World Cup. I have medical reports that are on my side.
“Both situations have improved and we believe both will be available to play. We have to live day by day.
“I blame myself with Neymar because I didn’t see that he was injured and he played on for 10 or 11 minutes.”
Despite Neymar’s recovery making good strides, Tite has demanded greater protection for his players in Qatar.
He said: “The foul that hurt Neymar was not malicious. It was an accident. But if you want to celebrate football you have got to punish the rotation of fouls.”
King Fordjour
Admin Admin
