Brazil's Marcelo goes off injured against Serbia
Brazil's Marcelo goes off injured against Serbia

Brazil v Mexico team news: Brazil head coach Tite confirms Marcelo will not start


Brazil manager Tite has confirmed his starting XI for their last 16 clash with Mexico with full-back Marcelo left on the bench.

The Brazil medical team last week claimed that the 30-year-old suffered an injury attributed to the mattress he sleeps on in their team hotel.

Coach Tite confirmed that Marcelo will not start in what will be the solitary change to the five-time world champions on Monday night.

Atletico Madrid left-back Felipe Luis will deputise for the injured Marcelo, after coming on in their previous game against Serbia.

Tite, however, did not rule out Marcelo still having a part to play in the game.

Brazil are 1/4 to beat Mexico with Sky Bet.

"In a normal and natural situation, there is a natural competition for starting spots," he said.

"I cannot have unknown variables in this match, he could be hiding something, but he came to practice, he wants to participate, he shows the commitment as a team player and might be able to feature for 45, 60 minutes."

"At the end of the training, we talked, 'Can I count on you?' He said 'you can.'"

Despite Marcelo’s willingness to be involved at all costs, assistant coach Fabio Mahseredjian warned that the Samba Boys must be "cautious" with their approach to reintegrating him back into the line-up, especially with the weather conditions in Samara.

"Marcelo practiced a little bit and also trained less," he said. "Yesterday he came to practice, he did only one specific drill, without issues.

"But this also makes me conclude that he loses a bit of reaction speed and causes us to be cautious in a 120-minute match (if the game goes to extra-time).

"Tomorrow the temperature is forecast to be 34 C and very humid, which could lead to increased exhaustion."

Tite praised his side's performance in their final group game, and hoped Brazil could replicate the result against Mexico.

"I hope the team maintains the standard of the two previous games, even more," he said. "We want to reproduce the physical, tactical, technical, emotional, and type of play like in the last match."

Brazil are 7/2 to win the World Cup.

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