The only problem now is the LB and RB positions. Marcello looked helpless vs Douglas Costas speed against Real Madrid. He was forced to sit back and defend rather than take part in attack. Any speedy winger can cause massive problems in that area... Same goes for RB ( dani alves )
To my knowledge, we won't really be facing any world class wingers in the group stage, at least. Knock out round will be a different story.
The dual threats of Marcelo and Neymar on the left is a concern for most teams so they will approach that side with caution. The RB side is a concern. Alves is in decline.
Getting pretty close to the call up. Wonder what's going on Tite's head. I don't think much has changed. Good news is no surprise injuries yet (other than Neymar of course ... and Filipe Luis). Firmino, Marcelo and Casemiro ended up being the players going deep into the European season. Luckily Madrid have been out of La Liga race a long time ago. But Marcelo and Casemiro are still concerns in my mind. I think Casemiro has dropped off in form a bit. Marcelo still looks great going forward but is given a very loose role on defense. If Tite gives him less freedom and more defensive responsibilities, I hope he reprogram his brain. On the other side Alves should show up fresh enough but yeah, his age and form will be a concern. Firmino is flying. So that's good. Paulinho has gotten some good rest at Barca and I think the rest of players should be fine too. Question is who will be the surprise call ups for the open spots.
So ... Cassio, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Douglas Costa, Renato Augusto ? Missing someone ? I think those are the expected players for the open spots .
I’m guessing, Ederson, Cassio, Alex Sandro, Fagner, Douglas Costa, Arthur, Giuliano, Jemerson. Taison over Arthur is a huge possibility. The 7 injury reserves: Fred, Willian Jose, Geromel, Filipe Luis, Taison/Arthur, Diego Alves, Talisca.
And there you go. Alves hurt in the French Cup final. Possible knee ligament injury. No word yet but his WC is at risk.
Daniel Alves não será submetido a cirurgia e deve ir à Copa da Rússia https://t.co/XRzAdFzQdv pic.twitter.com/uvuAfEnsA5— Lance! (@lancenet) May 9, 2018 Dodged a bullet, apparently. I'm more comfortable with an out-of-form, coming off an injury Alves than I am with Fagner.