How Brazil could line up against Peru

© Reuters

Following the Premier League's decision to not release player's for international games played in countries on England's COVID-19 red list, Brazil come into Thursday's World Cup Qualifying clash against Peru without several key players.

The ruling has seen Tite forced to name a squad without front-line goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson Becker of Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, alongside the likes of centre-back Thiago Silva, midfielders Fabinho and Fred and attackers Roberto Firmino, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus.

In the absence of those crucial components, several changes have had to be made, with Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton deputising between the sticks and Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa expected to continue starting in the front line.

He will join talismanic captain Neymar, who has netted 68 goals in 112 appearances for his nation at the age of 29.

The losses of Silva, Fabinho and Fred are arguably more manageable, given the Selecao's impressive squad depth, as Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Real Madrid's Eder Militao could form a strong centre-back pairing should they be deployed together.

Further forward, Real Madrid star Casemiro should certainly take a spot in midfield, while the likes of Gerson and Bruno Guimaraes will battle to partner the enforcer.

Everton Ribeiro and Lucas Paqueta have both demonstrated impressive form for the Selecao recently and could keep their places on the flanks, although Vinicius Junior will also have his sights set on breaking into the starting XI after a strong start to the season for Real Madrid, hitting three goals in the opening three La Liga games.

Brazil possible starting lineup: Weveton; Danilo, Marquinhos, Militao, Sandro; Ribeiro, Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Barbosa, Neymar