Ancelotti loses defender, Brazil to field debutant v France | OneFootball

Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed another absence for the Brazil National Team in Thursday’s friendly against France in Boston. Center-back Marquinhos, who is dealing with a hip issue, 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 first start, alongside Wesley and Douglas Santos, but has not yet decided on the other center-back. The options are Bremer, Ibañez, and Danilo.

“I’ll be honest, I have one doubt at the back, and it’s a 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 match against Croatia next Tuesday. He will not travel with the squad to Boston and will remain in Orlando to undergo treatment with the CBF physiotherapists.

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

In search of the ideal team

Brazil is expected to face France using the system Carlo Ancelotti has employed in recent matches, with two natural midfielders and four forwards. He sees the clash against the current World Cup runners-up as an “important test” ahead of the World Cup and is calling for balance from the team.

“In recent months, I’ve thought about what the best playing model is for the team, taking into account the players’ characteristics. The model we want to apply uses four players up front. Tomorrow is an important test, and we want to play a good match, defend well, and attack well. We need to have balance and play well with the ball, showing the quality that the four forwards 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 faces 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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Brazil National Team upcoming matches

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