With the injuries that have been plaguing the Brazilian National Team in recent days, coach Dorival Júnior must be under a lot of pressure. For two important World Cup Qualifiers on the road against Chile and Peru, five players were ruled out due to injury, which forced changes in some important positions in the team. Among the biggest names not present in the team, central defender Éder Militão and attacking midfielder Vini Jr. are teammates for Real Madrid, with Bremer, Guilherme Arana, and Alisson completing the list. These absences raise several questions about how the team will pull through at such an important moment.
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With Brazil currently sitting in an uncomfortable fifth place in the standings, holding 10 points, the pressure is mounting. The team needs to step up, and these last-minute changes could either hinder their performance or open the door for some surprises in the form of positives. It's a high-pressure game, and the next moves by Dorival will be extremely important.
The impact of injuries: key players out
The last couple of weeks have been particularly unkind to the Brazilians, and these injuries arrived at probably the worst moment. Of those let go, two names would stand out in Bremer from Juventus and Alisson from Liverpool. Bremer faces damage to his left knee ligaments, which may take as long as six months to get him into action-a big blow to Brazil's defense. One of the world's best goalkeepers, Alisson will be ruled out for a few weeks with an injury and be replaced by Weverton of Palmeiras.
Vini Jr., in great shape at Real Madrid, was also injured and out, making room for attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira from Fulham. Also, Éder Militão's important presence in the back was pulled from the roster after showing signs of discomfort in his left thigh, and his place went to Fabrício Bruno of Flamengo. So many changes will demand an adaptation process as quick as possible by Brazil, finding solutions to fill these absences.
A rocky defense
Most conviction has been debated at the back for Brazil. With the injury to Bremer and Militão, Dorival Júnior shall try to restructure his defense. He has called in Fabrício Bruno from Flamengo and PSG's Beraldo to help in that regard, but most definitely will be hoping against a lack of cohesion between the new inclusion. To make matters worse, the injury to Guilherme Arana sees Botafogo's left-back Alex Telles called in.
This shuffled defense takes on Chile, which is generally not a country that takes things lying down. While not an elite team on the continent, Chile has always been a hard nut to crack for Brazil, especially when they have to play in Santiago. The weakened defensive line may prove costly, and Dorival Júnior will have to adjust his tactics to assure a solid backline.
Attack without Vini Jr.
Of course, the absence of Vini Jr. is another huge offensive blow; his dribbling ability, creation of space, and finishing touch are sorely needed in these two games against Chile and Peru. Andreas Pereira, who replaces him, plays a more measured style of soccer, so that should change the dynamics in Brazil's attacking approach.
But Brazil still has talent on which to rely, at least with Rodrygo, who will be expected to raise the game and accept the mantle of offensive responsibility.
Dorival Júnior: leadership challenges
Since taking over the Brazilian National Team, Dorival Júnior has had his ups and downs, but the international break is shaping up to be one of the most important tests in his tenure. In four call-ups, this was the first time that the coach had to deal with so many important players missing, which will demand not only tactical flexibility from him but also strong leadership.
It is in such a team that Dorival will have to make sure the balance between experienced veterans and promising young talent is appropriate. Brazil plays Chile on October 10, in Santiago, and then hosts Peru on October 15, in Brasília. Both matches will be important for Brazil's qualification process, and both should have positive outcomes for the country to stay in the running for a direct spot in the World Cup.
Now standing in fifth place, Brazil leads Bolivia by just one point, which sits out of the automatic qualification zone. Little room for error remains, with Argentina pulling ahead into the standings, and any missteps may jeopardize Brazil's position.
Beyond the stress of gathering points, there's also a concern about how the newly called-up players will take in Dorival Júnior's system. The team has already had to swallow some criticism regarding underwhelming performances, and they truly can't afford to slip up in these two key matches.