The “Selecao” leader was replaced in the 79th minute with a swollen ankle, the 30-year-old, like full-back Danilo, must take a break due to a ligament injury. The good news for Brazil and its fans: Neymar’s foot is getting thin again, the “swelling of the nation” is slowly easing. The superstar keeps his country and 186 million followers on Instagram up to date: “Let’s go”, he wrote enthusiastically, the football artist wants to be back on the pitch within the round of 16 at the latest.
Team-mate Marquinhos confirmed Neymar is a firm believer in a timely comeback on Sunday. “He is very concentrated, sleeps in physiotherapy and is treated 24 hours a day,” said the defender. This shows how much he wants to come back. “We don’t know when that will be, but we hope it happens as soon as possible.” In any case, Tite was relaxed, “I’m very relaxed,” stressed the coach.
Large selection of forwards
Tite has many options to be able to restore a high quality offensive department against Switzerland. “We have a wide range of forwards. I could have named six or seven more players,” the 61-year-old said defiantly after the win against the Serbs.
FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar
Monday, 17:00:
Brazil – Switzerland
Doha, Stadium 974, SR Barton (SAL)
Possible formations:
Brazil: Alisson – Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro – Casemiro – Paqueta, Fred – Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius Jr.
Swiss: Sommer – Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez – Freuler, Xhaka – Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas – Embolo
Antony, signed in the summer by Manchester United for almost 100 million euros, came on for Neymar. However, the high-speed setter has been plagued by gastrointestinal issues for a few days now. But even if he were to quit, there are still a number of alternatives.
“Enough Players for Three Teams”
Gabriel Martinelli swept through the English Premier League almost unstoppably with Arsenal in the weeks leading up to the World Cup. Rodrygo has also had a good season so far for Champions League winners Real Madrid. And then there’s Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus and slightly more defensive variations with Fred (Manchester United) and Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United).
“I think Brazil have enough players to field three teams. So it doesn’t make our job any easier,” said Swiss coach Murat Yakin.
Tite without much concern
Against the Serbs, Neymar most of the time acted as a second striker behind double goalscorer Richarlison. It is possible that Raphinha will be preferred to this role and Martinelli or Rodrygo will be used on the right wing instead.
Whatever Tite decides, he needn’t worry too much. Neymar’s genius and extravagance will be missing in the “Selecao” against the Swiss – who knocked out world champions France at the European Championships last year. But Brazil showed at the 2019 Copa America that they can win big without the injured star.
Confident Switzerland
Meanwhile, after their 1-0 win against Cameroon, Switzerland are looking forward to something like a bonus game at Stadium 974. With a surprising point win against the World Cup favourites, the Swiss could have an even better starting position for the eventual “final game”. “In group G, he creates against Serbia. Neymar’s absence hurts “the heart of a footballer,” Yakin underlined and was confident: “We are ready to show a good game.”
