Ancelotti loses defender, Brazil set for debutant against France | OneFootball

Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed another absence for the Brazil National Team in Thursday’s friendly against France in Boston. Defender Marquinhos, who has an issue in the hip area, will be rested and will not be available.

Ancelotti therefore has a question mark in defense for the match. He confirmed that Léo Pereira will make his debut as a starter, alongside Wesley and Douglas Santos, but has not yet decided on the other center back. The options are Bremer, Ibañez, and Danilo.

“To be honest, I have one doubt at the back, one center back. Léo Pereira, Douglas Santos, and Wesley will play,” the coach revealed at a press conference on Wednesday.

Marquinhos, of Paris Saint-Germain, was rested for Brazil’s first two training sessions in Orlando. However, he is expected to be available for the clash against Croatia next Tuesday. He will not travel with the squad to Boston and will remain in Orlando for treatment with the CBF physiotherapists.

“Marquinhos has a minor issue, he will not be available for the game [against France], but he may play against Croatia. It is an important moment in the season, with many important matches in every competition. It is normal for players to have some issues. It is an opportunity for those who are here to show their qualities, proving that the group is good even without important players,” he said.

In search of the ideal team

The expectation is that Brazil will face France using the system Carlo Ancelotti has used in recent matches, with two natural midfielders and four attackers. He sees the clash against the current World Cup runners-up as an “important test” before the World Cup and is asking the team for balance.

“In recent months, I have thought about what the best playing model is for the team, taking into account the players’ characteristics. The model we want to apply is with four players up front. Tomorrow is an important test; we want to play a good match, defend and attack well. We need to have balance and play well on the ball, showing the quality that the four attackers have,” he commented.

This will be Ancelotti’s last opportunity to test the Brazil National Team before drawing up the final squad list for the World Cup.

Brazil face France this Thursday at 5 p.m. (Brasília time) at Gillette Stadium in Boston. The match against Croatia will be next Tuesday, starting at 9 p.m., at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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Upcoming matches for the Brazil National Team

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.