Brazil left-back Alex Sandro is a major doubt for Friday's World Cup 2022 quarter-final showdown with Croatia at Education City Stadium due to a hip injury.

The 31-year-old has missed the Selecao's last two matches, including Monday's 4-1 victory over South Korea in the last 16, and he has since been pictured training alone with the team's physical trainer.

Head coach Tite has since revealed that Sandro is unlikely to feature on Friday and should he fail to recover in time, Juventus teammate Danilo is expected to continue at left-back with Eder Militao operating on the opposite side.

Alisson Becker made several excellent saves in the win over South Korea and the Liverpool goalkeeper is set to retain his place between the sticks, with protection provided by centre-back duo Thiago Silva and Marquinhos.

Tite is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, to his starting lineup, which could see Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta continue in centre-midfield. Fred and Bruno Guimaraes – who are just one booking away from a suspension along with Militao – are again expected to begin as substitutes.

Selecao star Neymar recovered from an ankle injury to start and score in the win over South Korea, and the Paris Saint-Germain attacker – who is just one goal behind Pele's all-time record for the national team (77) – is poised to start again in an advanced roaming role up front.

Neymar is set to be joined in a fearsome four-man frontline alongside Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Richarlison, while the likes of Antony, Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli and Pedro will likely provide cover on the substitutes' bench.

Brazil possible starting lineup: Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison

> Click here to see how Croatia could line up for this contest

Written by
Oliver Thomas