Bournemouth’s Rayan is expected to get the nod as Brazil face Japan in the World Cup round of 16, with Raphinha still injured.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side face a tricky test as they embark on their first knockout tie of the summer. They came through the group stage largely without issue but failed to dazzle in doing so, drawing with Morocco before producing routine defeats of Haiti and Scotland.
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The Selecao also sustained a considerable injury worry en route to this stage, with Raphinha picking up a thigh injury against Haiti which threatens to curtail his tournament early.
He has remained with the Brazil squad to recover and vowed to return before the end of the tournament, but is not expected to do so until the round of 16 at the absolute earliest.
Injured: Raphinha (Getty)
“I will do everything within my power to recover and return as soon as possible,” he wrote on Instagram. ”I want to be alongside my team-mates, fight for our goals, and keep giving everything I have to honour this shirt and bring joy to the Brazilian fans. I’m staying strong.”
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The ageing Neymar is an option on the wing, but Bournemouth’s Rayan is the most likely pick to stand in for Raphinha here. He got the nod against Brazil, and assisted one of Vinicius Jr’s two goals. Matheus Cunha has proven effective through the middle and should keep his place.
Elsewhere, few changes are expected. Alisson is a mainstay in goal, and the only question to be asked of his back four is whether Douglas Santos will cede his place to Alex Sandro.
Ancelotti has little cause to rotate his midfield, either. Bruno Guimaraes recorded a brace of assists from midfield last time out, while Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro have also impressed.
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Casemiro, Fabinho, and Danilo are all at risk of suspension should they be booked here.
Predicted Brazil XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta; Vinicius Jr, Cunha, Rayan
Injured: Raphinha (thigh)
Time and date: 6pm BST on Monday, June 29.
How to watch: ITV1