Willian Set To Replace Injured Neymar In Brazil National Squad
Chelsea winger, Willian has been given the nod over Lucas Moura and Vinicius Jr. to take up the spot vacated by injured Neymar in the Brazil National squad.
The Chelsea attacker has been chosen to replace Brazil talisman, Neymar after the PSG star ruptured his ankle in Tite’s side friendly victory over Qatar, effectively thwarting Brazil’s Copa America plans.
His absence from the continental competition was confirmed the next day after tests and examinations revealed he will be out on the sidelines for up to six weeks.
The PSG forward will now head to France where he will take in the opening match of the Women’s World Cup before continuing treatment on his injury at Parc des Princes.
And while Moura who inspired Tottenham to a comeback against Ajax with a spectacular hattrick and an impressive Vinicius Jr. were touted as possible replacements for Neymar, it is Willain who’s Tite’s pick.
This, the BrazilIan Football Federation confirmed via an official statement released on Friday.
“The attacker Willian, of Chelsea, has been called up by the Brazil national team and will play the 2019 Brazil Copa America,” it read.
“He has been called to replace Neymar, who was dropped from the squad following the friendly against Qatar.”
Willian would now have to cut short his vacation in Israel and take a trip to Brazil after missing out on Tite’s original 23-man squad.
The Chelsea player brings a wealth of International experience to the table for the Brazilian squad. He made his debut for the Selecao’s in November 2011 and has gone on to make 65 appearances, finding the back of the net eight times in the same period.
The Selecaos kick off their Copa America campaign on Friday June 14 with a Group A match against Bolivia, before going on to face Venezuela and Peru in the competition’s opening phase.
