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Paqueta’s disease is giving Brazil another headache

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Five-time world champions Brazil could be without midfielder Lucas Paqueta next season Globalism Group G Cup match against Switzerland on Monday.

Brazil were already poised to miss star player Neymar and reliable full-back Danilo, both of whom were ruled out with ankle injuries suffered in their first 2-0 win over Serbia.

The World Cup favorites trained behind closed doors at the Al Arabi stadium on Saturday and coach Tite gave no clue about the team selection in his press conference on Sunday.

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But Reuters learned that Paqueta was unable to fully train, which affected Tite’s plans to compensate for Neymar’s absence against the Swiss.

Real Madrid prodigy Rodrygo would be the first choice if Tite decided to use the same system with four players up front alongside Vinicius, Richarlison and Rafinha.

The 21-year-old forward played in Neymar’s position in three training matches in Turin ahead of the World Cup.

But the option to pair Fred with fellow Manchester United teammate Casemiro to strengthen the midfield is also in the works, pushing Paqueta forward into a playmaking role if he recovers in time.

Real Madrid’s versatile centre-back Eder Militao is likely to replace Danilo.

The 24-year-old played as a full-back in a friendly against Ghana in September and will add the solidity needed to balance Tite’s super attacking tactics.

Another option would be 39-year-old veteran Dani Alves, the only available right-back in the squad.

“I have already made my decision, but I will not say until the match,” Tite said.

“Strategically, I can make up my mind about some behavioral changes or changes in the characteristics of the players I have available.

“Militão has already played in this role, he has the characteristics to do so. Dani (Alves) is determined, apart from his technical and leadership quality. We’ll see…”

Tite is optimistic about Neymar’s recovery from his injury and that he will restore his spell in time to help them win a record sixth World Cup title.

“I think Neymar and Danilo will play again in the World Cup,” he said on Sunday.

Medically, clinically, I have nowhere to speak. But I have the opinion of our doctor, the sensations that happen with the players and I see how hard I work day and night to recover.

“I think we will be able to count on them in the World Cup again.”

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