Manchester United midfielder Fred is in the frame to replace Brazilian superstar Neymar when his nation’s bid for a sixth World Cup continues on Monday.
The much-derided 29-year-old midfielder has made just six starts under Erik ten Hag this season - but he is now under consideration to come into the Brazilian coach Tite’s team for the clash with Switzerland at Stadium 974.
Newcastle ’s Bruno Guimaraes is also being considered in a move that would free up attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta rather than bring in United winger Antony or Real Madrid ’s Rodrygo. But the belief around Brazil’s camp is that Tite will turn to Fred.
The £47million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk has split opinion in the four years he has been at Old Trafford. But despite his troubles at club level, Fred has remained a constant member of his country’s squad.
“Sometimes we see it in the movies where someone who isn’t the star steals the scene,” said Tite. Neymar is winning his battle to be fit after he was kicked out of Friday night’s 2-0 opening win over Serbia.
The Paris St Germain star was fouled nine times and there were fears his tournament was over. But Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar and his medical staff have been working on the 30-year-old around the clock.
He could even be back for the final group game against Cameroon on Friday night. But Tite is unlikely to risk the forward against the Africans if Brazil have already qualified for the last 16.
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Tite, who is also without former Manchester City full-back Danilo with an ankle injury, said: “I believe both Neymar and Danilo will play again in the World Cup. I have medical reports that are on my side.
"Both situations have improved and we believe both will be available to play. We have to live day by day. I blame myself with Neymar because I didn’t see that he was injured and he played on for 10 or 11 minutes.”
Neymar is wearing a compression boot to help with the severe swelling and bruising that suggested he had suffered a serious injury when Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic scythed him down.
But while there is slight ligament damage, the problem has responded well to physiotherapy. Tite has cleared Lukic of any blame - but has called on referees to protect the best players from systematic fouling.
Tite said: “The foul that hurt Neymar was not malicious. It was an accident. But if you want to celebrate football you have got to punish the rotation of fouls.”
Tite could replace Danilo with 39-year-old Dani Alves.
Alves now earns his living in Mexico with UNAM after a stellar career that has seen him star for Barcelona, Paris St Germain and Juventus. Tite added: “Brazil relies on our major talents - but we must also rely on our other players.
“We have a tradition and a history of playing that we must adhere to. We must not change that philosophy under the pressure that will come at this World Cup.”