Manchester United loanee Alex Telles is set to be handed his first World Cup start against Cameroon with fellow Brazil left-back Alex Sandro ruled out due to injury.
The 29-year-old, who is spending the 2022-23 campaign on loan at La Liga giants Sevilla, came off the bench to make his World Cup debut in Brazil’s 1-0 win against Switzerland thanks to Casemiro‘s stunning finish.
Manchester United forward Antony has also been tipped to be handed his first World Cup start after coming off the bench in the Selecao’s opening two Group G games.
Manchester United loanee Alex Telles set to be handed first World Cup start
Brazil boss Tite may have opted to rest Alex Sandro against Cameroon on Friday with the five-time World Cup winners already qualifying for the last-16.
But Juventus’ left-back has been ruled out of the final Group G clash against the Africans with a muscle injury.
Telles came on to replace Sandro in the closing stages of Monday’s 1-0 win against Switzerland with the Old Lady’s number 12 grimacing.
But after having a scan on Monday, Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has confirmed that the 31-year-old has picked up a muscle injury in the left hip.
Speaking via The Mail, Lasmar said: “It showed muscle injury in the left hip. He will not play the next match. He is undergoing treatment so we can recover him as soon as possible.”
Brazil, who only need a point against Cameroon to qualify for the last-16 as Group G winners, are already missing injured duo Danilo and Neymar.
Fred came into the starting line-up for the win against the Swiss but was replaced just before the hour mark by Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
With United’s number 17 picking up a booking against the European opponents, Tite may opt against risking the 29-year-old against Cameroon.
A booking against Rigobert Song’s side would rule Fred out of the last-16 clash due to suspension.
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