Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino could miss Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay here on Monday due to illness.
The 25-year-old missed the team’s final training session at the Corinthians sports center on Monday after suffering flu-like symptoms, Brazil team officials said.
He was replaced in the first team’s training exercises by 31-year-old Sport Recife attacker Diego Souza.
Brazil is already without Daniel Alves for the clash at Corinthians Arena after the Juventus full-back was suspended for picking up a second yellow card in the Selecao’s 4-1 victory over Uruguay last Thursday.
Sevilla’s Mariano is expected to take Alves’ place in the starting lineup.
Brazil currently lead the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with 30 points from 13 matches, seven points ahead of second-placed Uruguay.
Paraguay is seventh with 18 points, three points shy of the automatic qualifying places with five matches remaining.
(With Inputs From Xinhua)
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