Venezuelavs.Brazil

Rodrygo should return before the end of 2024, but unfortunately for Militao, his was a season-ending ACL tear, joining Bremer as the other key Brazil central defender to suffer the same devastating injury this season.

With Bremer and Militao unavailable, manager Dorival Junior has also made numerous changes to his defensive options this month, leaving Lucas Beraldo, Fabricio Bruno and Alex Telles at home.

Ligue 1 pair Vanderson and Abner may be rewarded for their performances at full-back in the 4-0 win over Peru, meaning captain Danilo could miss out, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes set to start in the centre.

Rodrygo's absence is also a huge blow, but Brazil will have Vinicius Junior back after he missed the October window through injury, and the Real Madrid man has been in scintillating form.

While the drama surrounding his Ballon d'Or snub reached unprecedented levels, the 24-year-old continues to perform, with his hat trick against Osasuna being his second in four matches, and taking his tally to nine goals over the last six games.

On the opposite flank, Raphinha has been imperious for Real's rivals Barcelona too, scoring a hat trick against Bayern Munich, while also notching twice for his country in the win over Peru last month.

Raphinha may be utilised centrally here though, because it will be very hard for manager Dorival to ignore the form of Botafogo winger Luiz Henrique.

The 23-year-old was introduced as a substitute away in Chile last month and netted the winner, before scoring again off the bench against Peru, and Savinho's unconvincing form at Manchester City means Luiz Henrique could get the nod.

Another Botafogo attacker received positive headlines from the previous camp, with Igor Jesus also on the scoresheet against Chile, and after starting both of last month's games, he can expect to keep his place.

That is even more likely considering Endrick is not part of the squad this month, but fellow teenage sensation Estevao Willian is, after making his debut in September, but missing out in October due to a lingering injury problem.

Ederson is set to deputise in goal again with Alisson still not back following the hamstring issue he picked up in Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace last month, while there is also set to be a Premier League presence in Brazil's midfield.

West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta is back from suspension and could partner Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United in the centre of midfield, while new Wolverhampton Wanderers signing Andre is also in contention along with Gerson, who came into the side for the win over Peru.

Brazil possible starting lineup:

Ederson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner; Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes; Luiz Henrique, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior; Igor Jesus