Real Madrid duo in line to start for Brazil against Switzerland – report | OneFootball

Brazil will look to take a step towards the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when they face Switzerland later today. Having won their opening fixture against Serbia, Tite & co. will be gunning for all three points again.

However, the Selecao will have to do so without their most important player in Neymar, who suffered an ankle injury in the opening game against Serbia.

There have been a lot of speculations about who will replace Neymar in Brazil’s starting XI against Switzerland today. Real Madrid starlet Rodrygo was tipped as a favourite to do so, with manager Tite liking the young forward.

However, as per MARCA, that is unlikely to be the case. The report states that while the other two Real Madrid players in the Brazil squad – Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao – are in line to start, Rodrygo will once again be a substitute.

The 21-year-old had made his World Cup debut coming off the bench versus Serbia and will once again have to make do with a similar role instead of replacing Neymar in the lineup.

As for Vinicius, he was one of Brazil’s main protagonists in the win against Serbia and will have an even bigger role to play today in the absence of Neymar.

Militao did not make an appearance in the game against Serbia. However, an injury to Danilo has opened the space for the Real Madrid defender to get the nod at right-back, ahead of former Barcelona star Dani Alves.

As to who replaces Neymar in the side, the report indicates that Manchester United’s Fred is in line for a starting berth.

In that case, he would likely occupy the pivot position in midfield alongside club teammate and former Real Madrid ace Casemiro, with Lucas Paqueta taking up Neymar’s position higher up the pitch.

So, it seems like two out of the three Real Madrid players in the Brazil squad will be in the lineup today, but Rodrygo will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.