Real Madrid prodigy set for first international start in blockbuster Copa America clash | OneFootball

Fans will be treated to a blockbuster encounter in the Copa America this weekend as Brazil take on Uruguay in the quarterfinals at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Brazil have been off-colour in the tournament and await a huge test against Uruguay, who have been performing very well so far in the USA.

Endrick in for Vinicius Jr.

Heading into the game, Brazil were dealt a huge blow as star man Vinicius Jr. was suspended for the quarter-final clash.

Indeed, the Real Madrid forward will miss the monumental encounter through suspension for accumulation of cards after he picked up his second yellow card in the competition against Colombia.

But as they say, one man’s misery is another man’s fortune.

With Vinicius ruled out of the Uruguay clash, another Real Madrid forward, Endrick, is set to start for Brazil in the quarterfinals, their manager Dorival Jr. confirmed.

Indeed, when asked about how he planned to replace Vinicius for the Uruguay game during a press conference, the Selecao manager replied (h/t The Athletic):

“Endrick. It will be Raphinha, Rodrygo and Endrick.”

Endrick set to replace Vinicius for Brazil. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

First start for Endrick

It will be a huge occasion for Endrick as he will be making his first-ever start for the Brazilian national team.

The 17-year-old, who will officially arrive at Real Madrid later this month, has made nine appearances for the Selecao, including three in the ongoing Copa America, all of which have come from the bench.

In those nine games, Endrick has already scored three goals. And he will be aiming to add to his tally against Uruguay, with Brazil manager Dorival believing that the 17-year-old is ready for the occasion.

“We lost an important player, but we gain another searching for his chance. Who knows, this could be Endrick’s moment,” he said.

“He’s not specifically a fixed No 9, a reference point, who prefers to basically plays as a pivot. He’s a player who drops in and out and has this movement.”