Brazil’s Alex Sandro may miss quarter-final in opposition to Croatia, says Tite

Brazil’s first-choice left again Alex Sandro has not absolutely recovered from harm and is uncertain for his or her quarter-final in opposition to Croatia on Friday, supervisor Tite mentioned on Thursday.

Alex Sandro was substituted within the 86th minute of Brazil’s second World Cup Group G match in opposition to Switzerland with a muscle drawback in his left hip. He was dominated out for his or her last group stage match with Cameroon and the last-16 conflict versus South Korea and, in accordance with Tite, he may miss his third consecutive sport on Friday even when he manages to coach nicely on Thursday afternoon.

“All indications are towards (Alex Sandro) not participating (in the match against Croatia),” Tite instructed a information convention.

“He has a different injury (than the ankle injury Neymar and Danilo suffered). He still needs to push a little harder, I have to see with the medical and physical department. It will depend on this afternoon.”

Forward Neymar and defender Danilo suffered ankle accidents in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia, which meant they missed the 1-0 victory in opposition to the Swiss and 1-0 defeat by Cameroon, when coach Tite rotated his crew to maintain his key gamers contemporary.

The pair had been cleared to play and began in Brazil’s 4-1 thrashing of South Korea on Monday and, in accordance with Tite, they’re now in full well being. Danilo ought to as soon as once more begin on the left aspect of defence if Alex Sandro can’t play as Brazil don’t have extra left backs with Alex Telles dominated out of the World Cup with a knee harm suffered in opposition to Cameroon.

“I hope (Alex Sandro) can train well and be available,” Danilo instructed a information convention. “I’m healthy and I’m comfortable playing in all three defensive positions. I believe that I’ll make the transition soon to centre back because I feel very comfortable playing there at Juventus.”

Centre again Eder Militao, who changed Danilo at proper again versus Switzerland and performed in opposition to South Korea in the identical function, is more likely to keep within the crew till Alex Sandro is again.