Brazil, widely regarded as one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, has been plagued by injuries since the tournament’s inception.
The main protagonist Neymar was injured in the first game against Serbia, and Danilo injured his ankle and ended up missing the last two. Alex Sandro was also injured ahead of the Round of 16 stages.
According to the most recent MARCA update, the Selecao have been shaken by two more injuries in camp, with Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles ruled out for the rest of the World Cup.
Jesus played for Brazil in their final group game against Cameroon yesterday, lasting slightly more than an hour. He did, however, leave with back pain, and now it has been confirmed that he will require at least three weeks to recover.
According to MARCA, Jesus’ withdrawal from the World Cup, combined with Neymar’s own injury problem, opens up the door for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo to gain greater importance in Brazil’s roster for the remainder of the tournament.
Rodrygo came on as a substitute in the first two games against Serbia and Switzerland before making his debut against Cameroon last night. In Tite’s side’s defeat to the African nation, the 21-year-old was a shining light.
The Real Madrid youngster has performed admirably in every one of his three appearances in Qatar thus far. Given the squad’s mounting injury concerns, Tite may now rely much more on the former Santos wonderkid.
In addition to Rodrygo, the Brazil manager has Gabriel Martinelli, Antony, and Pedro as attacking options, who could pair up along with Richarlison and Vinicius Jr, who are integral parts in the frontline.
Brazil, having won Group G, will face Group H runners-up South Korea in the World Cup Round of 16, which will be played on Monday night.
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