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Carlo Ancelotti is facing a mounting injury crisis as Brazil prepare for their final Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday night in Miami.
Seven of Brazil’s key players were absent from Sunday morning’s training session in New Jersey, raising serious doubts about their availability for the showdown.
Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were among those missing as the squad returned to their base at the Columbia Park training facility in Morris Township.
Barcelona striker Raphinha was another high-profile absentee as the clock continues to tick down ahead of the crucial group stage decider.
Brazil’s defensive options also appear stretched, with first-choice pairing Gabriel of Arsenal and PSG superstar Marquinhos both left out of preparations.
Flamengo’s Danilo was another notable absence from the session, further compounding Ancelotti’s selection headaches heading into the match.
Midfielder Danilo Santos is also among Brazil’s walking wounded as Ancelotti weighs up the possibility of making wholesale changes to his starting lineup.
The official explanation from Brazil’s camp was that the seven missing players were given the day off on a precautionary basis as part of a workload, management and recovery programme.
Brazil have already secured their place in the knockout rounds following their 3-0 Group C romp over Haiti on Friday night, giving Ancelotti flexibility with team selection.
The Italian manager is also expected to hand long-term casualty Neymar some minutes during Wednesday night’s fixture in Miami.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke will be hoping his side can take full advantage of any weaknesses in a depleted Brazilian lineup as he attempts to navigate safe passage into the last 32.
The prospect of facing Brazil without several of their biggest stars could prove to be a significant boost for Clarke’s side in their pursuit of a historic World Cup knockout stage berth.
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