5 big names who might not make Brazil’s World Cup squad

In a nation where everything comes after football, choosing a squad of 23 players for the World Cup is a tough job.

FIFA World Cup fever is beginning to gather pace as we get closer to the start of the tournament in Russia. Brazil will go into the tournament as one of the favorites and Tite will have a tough job on his hands to select the squad, with the competition for places being fierce.

Almost for every possible position in the squad, Tite will have to choose between at least a couple of players. Unlike England, Spain, Germany, and Italy where most of their players play in Europe, Brazilian players are spread across various continents like Asia, Europe, and South America, making it a tough job for the manager to decide.

Recent Performances, experience, and injuries will play a huge role in the player selection.

Given all this, let’s take a look at the 5 players who might not make Brazil’s World Cup 2018 squad.

#5 Fabinho (AS Monaco)

Fabinho might not be able to add to his four Brazil caps

Fabinho is one of the best midfielders in Europe right now. He was a key player in AS Monaco's run to the Ligue 1 title and to the semifinals of UEFA Champions League last season. However, a chance to prove his quality in the national team eluded him so far.

To his frustration, the Monaco midfielder will most likely miss the plane for Russia 2018. The presence of Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, and Fred gives him no chance to make an entry into the national team again.

He has only made 4 appearances for Brazil so far and last played for the national team in 2016. Also, he did play any part in the World Cup qualifiers. He is not in Tite plans at the moment, barring injuries to any of his key midfielders.

#4 Alex Sandro

Sandro's place in the World Cup squad is far from certain

Juventus defender is one of the best left-backs in the world at the moment. It is a big surprise that he has made only 10 appearances for the national team so far in his career, ever since his debut in 2011.

Real Madrid’s Marcelo is Brazil’s first choice left-back. Felipe Luis is there in the squad as his back up, making it almost impossible for Sandro to break into the team.

However, Alex Sandro was given a lifeline by Tite as the Juventus midfielder was called up to the squad to replace injured Filipe Luis for the upcoming friendlies against Russia and Germany.

Luis is expected to be out for up to 8 weeks, making him a 50-50 for Russia. As of now, Sandro’s participation in the World Cup depends on how quickly Luis can recover from surgery. Sandro will definitely miss out if Luis recovers from injury as per the schedule.

#3 Danilo

Danilo's poor form might cost his place in the Brazil World Cup squad

Another big name expected to miss the tournament is Manchester City right-back Danilo. The 26-year-old moved to Manchester City in the summer, after a tough spell in Spain with Real Madrid.

Though he had decent game time under Pep Guardiola, his performances were below-par. He could not cement his place in the Manchester City team and played a bit part role at the Etihad this season. Also, he faces intense competition from Fagner (Corinthians) and Rafinha (Bayern Munich) for a place in the Brazil squad.

Fagner is Danilo's biggest threat and is in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Russia and Germany, making it tough for Danilo to break into the team. Danilo will most likely miss the plane to Russia. Given his current form, it is not a surprise.

#2 Lucas Moura

Lucas Moura might not have a place in Tite's 23-man World Cup squad

Lucas Moura was once thought of as a future star for the Brazil national team. But, the 25-year-old failed to progress in his career. His move to the French capital did not help his case. He warmed the bench on multiple occasions and made only limited appearances for the club.

He had a stunning start to his Brazil career when he made 31 appearances for the national team, even before turning 22. However, he lost his place in the national team because of lack of game time at PSG and decline in form. A move to Tottenham Hotspur in January has not really helped his case either.

He made only 3 appearances for Brazil after that and last played for the national team in 2016. With Willian, Philippe Coutinho, and Douglas Costa in fine form for their respective clubs, Lucas Moura will have to sit out of the World Cup in Russia.

#1 David Luiz

Brazil will most likely be without their veteran defender David Luiz

David Luiz’s chance of making it to Brazil national team for Russia looks all but over after his recent injury setback. He was not a regular in the Chelsea team this season because of poor form and injuries.

He was dropped from the Brazil squad for the friendlies against Japan and England in November and he never regained his place in the national team. He is currently out injured for Chelsea and expected to miss for up to 4 weeks.

With Thiago Silva (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), and Miranda (Inter Milan) in fine form and assured of a place in the squad for the centre-back positions, Tite will not bother too much to drop the underperforming David Luiz.