Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti is grappling with a potential manpower crisis ahead of Wednesday's crucial World Cup group stage showdown against Scotland in Miami. Seven of Brazil's star players missed Sunday morning's training session in New Jersey, casting doubt over their availability for the match.
Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were among the absentees as Ancelotti's side returned to their base at the Columbia Park training facility in Morris Township. The team had just secured a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Group C on Friday night.
Key Players Sidelined
Barcelona striker Raphinha was another notable absentee, along with first-choice defensive pairing Gabriel of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos. Flamengo's Danilo and midfielder Danilo Santos also missed the session, leaving Ancelotti with limited options.
The official explanation from Brazil's camp was that the seven missing players were given the day off on a precautionary basis as part of a 'workload, management and recovery' programme. However, with Brazil already assured of a place in the knockout rounds, Ancelotti is expected to make several changes for the Scotland game.
Neymar's Return Looms
Ancelotti is also likely to give minutes to long-term casualty Neymar, the Samba poster boy, who has been recovering from injury. This could mean Scotland faces a weakened Brazilian side as Steve Clarke's team fights for a place in the last 32.
Scotland will be hoping to capitalise on Brazil's potential absences to secure a vital result and advance to the knockout stages.
