St. Petersburg, Russia: The liveliest selection debate swirling around Brazil’s national team heading into the World Cup has become more intense one game into the tournament.
Should it be Gabriel Jesus or Roberto Firmino in the lone-striker role against Costa Rica on Friday?
A favourite of Tite’s since the coach took charge in June 2016, the 21-year-old Jesus started Brazil’s opening group game — a 1-1 draw against Switzerland — but struggled to impose himself.
He made way in the second half, as usual, for Firmino, who made more of an impression in the 11 minutes he had on the field in Rostov and nearly scored a late winner from a header.
While Jesus is coming off a mixed first full season at Manchester City, the 26-year-old Firmino enjoyed the best year of his career for Liverpool and was one of the team’s key figures in their run to the Champions League final. There was cause for alarm on Tuesday when the talismanic Neymar had to leave a practice session due to discomfort in his right ankle, but is expected to be fit for the upcoming Group E match.
Neymar, who was having difficulty kicking the ball, left the group training accompanied by Brazil physiotherapist Rodrigo Mazziotti on Tuesday, reports Efe.
Minutes later, Brazil released a statement from team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar saying that Neymar had pains in the right ankle caused by a foul received in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Neymar underwent an operation on his right foot on March 3 and while he recovered in record time, the superstar has yet to regain his best form.
