Brazil will be forced to contend with numerous absentees against Argentina following their 2-1 victory against Colombia on Friday morning.
Selecao emerged as victors on Friday thanks to goals from Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, with the latter’s effort a particularly impressive strike from distance in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time.
The triumph saw the winners climb to third place with 21 points in the South American qualification table for the 2026 World Cup, but it came at the expense of numerous stars.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker clashed heads in the second half with Davinson Sanchez and national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar explained that the shot stopper had suffered a suspected concussion.
While Bento could replace Alisson in goal for Brazil’s clash against Argentina given he was brought on for the Liverpool player against Colombia, boss Dorival Junior faces several selection dilemmas ahead of Wednesday’s game.
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Who should start against Argentina?
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes received a yellow card against Colombia and has been ruled out of his side’s next match due to suspension, with the Arsenal man returning to London.
Nottingham Forest defender Murillo could come into the XI, but Brazil will be unable to field the same midfield in front of him given Bruno Guimaraes is also suspended as a result of accumulating too many yellow cards.
However, Dorival Junior also faces the headache of having to replace Guimaraes’s midfield partner Gerson, who was forced off against Colombia because of injury.
Considering the absences in the middle of the pitch, Newcastle United’s Joelinton and Fulham’s Andre could form a double pivot, though they could find it difficult against Argentina given neither are specialists in deeper midfield zones.
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Is the Brazil squad strong enough to compete?
Brazil are already eight points ahead of seventh-placed Bolivia, who occupy the World Cup playoff spot, and it would be surprising if they failed to automatically qualify.
However, Selecao have not won the World Cup since 2002 and their only Copa America triumph since their 1995 win was in 2021, and they have been eliminated from the past two World Cups in the quarter-finals.
The current Brazil team is blessed with numerous forward options, but the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo both prefer to operate on the left side of attack.
It should be noted that the South American side likely be defensively strong in 2026 considering Gabriel and Marquinhos are excellent options ahead of Alisson, who is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
Regardless of their recent international failures, Brazil will undoubtedly be considered one of the favourites to win the next World Cup.
