South American giants Brazil have suffered a significant setback in the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to the injury of key player Neymar Jr.
On November 24, the Paris Saint-Germain forward is said to have suffered an ankle injury during Brazil’s initial 2-0 victory over Serbia in Group G.
The opponents fouled Neymar nine times during the game, the most any player has suffered in a single competition game thus far.
As a result, he is likely to miss Brazil’s remaining Group G games against Cameroon and Switzerland. He may, however, be available for the FIFA World Cup’s subsequent round if they qualify.
Tite, the Selecao’s head coach, will now need to look to his star-studded team for a suitable replacement for their talisman. Therefore, the focus of this article will be on three of Neymar’s potential replacements.
#3 Vinicius Junior
The Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is a potential candidate for Tite to step in for the injured Neymar.
One of Brazil’s most highly regarded attackers, the 22-year-old is participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Vinicius tends to share a few traits with his Brazilian teammate, despite not being at the same level as Neymar.
He can dribble well and is an excellent ball carrier. Similar to Neymar, the forward for Real Madrid can also inflict penalties on opposing defenders.
After only making one appearance for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup, Vinicius already has one assist. He might be able to step in for his injured teammate’s big shoes.
#2 Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo is another player who might step up in Neymar’s absence for Brazil’s remaining Group G games.
The forward for Real Madrid is a very adaptable winger who can play in many different attacking positions.
Regardless of playing overwhelmingly as a traditional forward for his club, Rodrygo likewise can play on the left flank for Brazil. Additionally, he has played a false No.9 in Real Madrid’s absence of Karim Benzema because of an injury.
For the Selecao, the 21-year-old could work well with Vinicius, a teammate from Real Madrid, in the attack. He made his debut in the 75th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia.
#1 Gabriel Martinelli
The Arsenal forward may also be able to take advantage of Neymar’s injury at the FIFA World Cup.
The 21-year-old winger was one of the unexpected call-ups for the Brazil public group in Qatar. Prior to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022, he performed admirably for Arsenal.
Martinelli has scored five objectives and given two aids in 20 games for the Weapons store across rivalries this season as they sit top of the Head Association standings.
Like Neymar, he is an exciting young winger who can wreak havoc on the wings for opposing defenders. The other frontmen might also heavily rely on Martinelli’s inventiveness.
In the 87th minute, the Arsenal winger came on as a substitute for Raphina to make his FIFA World Cup debut against Serbia.