Injuries plague South American World Cup qualifying even though Messi is set to return
SAO PAULO (AP) - Lionel Messi will return from injury for Argentina in the next two rounds of South American World Cup qualifying, but several other top players will have to skip the upcoming matches.
Brazil, currently lagging in fifth place in the 10-team round robin competition with 10 points after eight games, will have to cope with the absence of injured forward Vinicius Júnior, in addition to long-term absentee Neymar. Coach Dorival Júnior, who is under pressure, said Wednesday that a little-known striker will take the place of the Real Madrid star in his starting lineup at Chile: 23-year-old Igor Jesus, who played most of his career at Al-Ahli in Dubai.
Brazil will also miss several other frequent starters in Santiago and on Tuesday against Peru. Goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Éder Militão, Guilherme Arana and Bremer are also out due to injury.
Júnior said in a press conference on Wednesday in Sao Paulo that both Jesus and Abner, a left-back who will start his first match for the national team, are up to the challenge they will face.