Picture Credit: Twitter
Brazil’s injury woes in the FIFA World Cup 2022 continue as first-choice left-back Alex Sandro is set to miss the quarterfinal game against Croatia. The Juventus star suffered a muscle problem in his left hip during Brazil’s opening game against Serbia. Sandro then played against Switzerland where he was one of the best players in the game.
But since then, the 31-year-old has missed two straight games and will now be out for the third. The news about Alex Sandro’s absence was confirmed by Brazil’s head coach Tite, who stated that the Juventus full-back has been pushing hard to get back with the team but is still away from being a 100% fit.
While speaking in a post-game press conference ahead of the game against Croatia, Tite said, "All indications are towards (Alex Sandro) not participating (in the match against Croatia).” He also addressed that Sandro’s injuries differ from those suffered by Neymar and Danilo, who also missed most of the group stage.
"He has a different injury (then the ankle injury Neymar and Danilo suffered). He still needs to push a little harder, I have to see with the medical and physical department. It will depend on this afternoon", Tite added.
So far in the World Cup, the Brazilian team has lived up to the favourites tag with resounding performances. They kicked off the marquee tournament with a dominant 2-0 win over the Serbia where striker Richarlison sealed the game with a magical acrobatic finish.
Then against Switzerland, midfielder Casemiro scored the winning goal to register a gritty 1-0 result. In the final group stage against Cameroon, Tite fielded an eleven with many starters and suffered a 1-0 loss to finish on top of Group H. The Brazilian team returned to winning ways in Round 16, as they demolished South Korea 5-1 to book a quarter-final berth against Croatia.
