The injury worries of World Cup favorites Brazil continue to increase. In the last group game against Cameroon, Alex Telles had to be substituted with a knee problem. Now the World Cup threatens. Danilo, Sandro, Jesus and Neymar are also questionable for the round of 16 on Monday.
The reports of injured Brazil stars are piling up. In the last group game against Cameroon on Friday evening (0-1), left-back Alex Telles injured his knee. The Sevilla player was substituted in tears after 54 minutes when the score was 0-0 and replaced by Marquinhos. The knee injury is said to be serious. Telles is threatened with losing the World Cup.
The situation in the full-back position is getting worse and worse. On Monday (8:00 p.m.) the Seleção will play South Korea in the round of 16. In addition to Telles, the other left-back in the squad, Alex Sandro, is said to not be at 100 percent yet. The same applies to Juventus defender Danilo on the right-back side. Only veteran Dani Alves is currently available there. On offense there is a question mark behind Gabriel Jesus. The Arsenal striker injured his knee on Friday night. According to the well-known transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Arsenal attacker will not be able to play in the entire tournament. However, an official confirmation is still pending.
The main focus for Brazilian fans remains on superstar Neymar. The PSG attacker injured his ankle in the first group game against Serbia (2-0). Brazilian media reported that Neymar would miss the other two group games. Now even a game in the round of 16 on Monday seems unlikely.
Should Neymar not be able to return to the training ground on Saturday, his absence against South Korea would be certain. The same applies to Juventus defender Alex Sandro (hip injury). "We still have 72 hours, we still have a chance. Let's wait and see," said team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar on Friday evening. "They haven't started the ball yet. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow," added Lasmar.
At the press conference after the game, national coach Tite was asked about the situation and possible reasons for the bad luck with injuries. "Tough question. The physical requirements are getting higher and higher. There are shorter intervals between games," said the 61-year-old. "The World Cup is also mentally very demanding. It sucks you dry." The Brazilians have until Monday to find a solution.
This article was originally published on 90min.de as Brazil struggles with injuries: Telles and Jesus face World Cup elimination - Neymar still questionable.
