How Brazil could line up against Venezuela

Brazil quartet Raphinha, Renan Lodi, Vanderson and Caio Henrique have all withdrawn from the national team squad due to injury ahead of Friday's CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela at the Arena Pantanal.

Barcelona winger Raphinha has been replaced in the squad by Benfica's David Neres, while defensive trio Lodi, Vanderson and Henrique have all made way for Inter Milan's Carlos Augusto, Girona's Yan Couto and Atletico Mineiro's Guilherme Arana respectively.

Interim boss Fernando Diniz, who is also in charge of Fluminense, has called up two players from his current club in the form of centre-back Nino, who is hoping to make his international debut, and midfielder Andre, who earned his solitary cap in June.

Al-Hilal's new frontman Neymar and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo both scored twice in Brazil's 5-1 victory over Bolivia last month, Diniz's first game in charge, and the attacking duo will be in contention to start on Friday along with Vinicius Junior; Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Matheus Cunha are other attacking options at Diniz's disposal.

Brazil's new captain Casemiro has endured a difficult start to the new season at Manchester United, but he is expected to start in centre-midfield alongside Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, while fellow Magpies midfielder Joelinton has not been selected as he continues to recover from a keen injury.

Marquinhos scored a 90th-minute winner in Brazil's most recent win over Peru last month and the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back is expected to be joined in the back four by Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes and either Carlos Augusto or Guilherme Arana.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has started Brazil's first two games under the tutelage of Diniz and he may keep his place between the sticks at the expense of Liverpool's Alisson Becker.

Brazil possible starting lineup: Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rodrygo, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Jesus