Brazil coach Tite: 'Roberto Firmino could go to World Cup'

Brazil manager Tite has suggested that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino could be part of his plans for this summer's World Cup.

The Reds forward has played himself into contention for a place in his national team after scoring 21 goals this term, 13 of which have come in the Premier League.

Tite, who has said that he is happy to have a range of potential attacking partnerships in his team, also told reporters that he "can see" Firmino being involved in his squad.

"I can see Firmino playing with [Gabriel Jesus]," 56-year-old said. "Firmino is originally a 10 who always played with a nine. He is a 10 who learned how to play a nine.

"Brazil has lacked alternatives in previous World Cups and it cost us big. That's why I want to use [Philippe] Coutinho in midfield, Willian as [a] winger, playing with Firmino and Jesus together.

"We must enter the competition with preparation for any situation. Coutinho as the orchestrator of midfield with Willian on the wing is a possibility. So is playing Jesus and Firmino on top."

Brazil play Russia and Germany in warm-up games later this month.