Brazil's Gabriel Jesus ruled out of World Cup with injury

Brazil have been dealt with two fresh injury blows ahead of their round of 16 encounter against South Korea on Monday.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have been ruled out of the World Cup after picking up knee injuries in the 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their last group stage encounter.

The pair underwent scans after the match and the severities of the injury were enough to rule them out of any further cation in Qatar.

Brazil sweat Neymar fitness

Brazil are also sweating over the fitness of Neymar and defender Alex Sandro ahead of the crunch knockout clash.

The PSG star hasn’t featured since sustaining a swollen ankle in the first group match that Brazil won 2-0 against Serbia. However, the Athletic has reported that the 30-year-old striker’s participation against South Korea is a possibility.  

Neymar had earlier started strength training in the gym and also walked on to the pitch, waving at supporters after the defeat to Cameroon.

On being asked about Neymar and Alex Sandro’s presence in the Round of 16, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: “We still have possibility. They still have not had chances to train with the ball.”

Flexibility key for Brazil

PSG center back Marquinhos had to slot in the left back position in the closing stages against Cameroon match and might need to start against South Korea in the same position if another injury worry, Danilo doesn’t recover.

The Juventus defender however is back in training for his national side and it might be a touch and go decision for coach Tite before kick-off.

The South American side have been far from their best in their last two group matches and must raise their game against the Koreans as the World Cup enters a crucial juncture.

The Selecao face a spirited South Korean side who defied all odds beating Portugal 2-1 in their last group match to qualify for the knockout stages.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Xinhua