Marcelo Fit For Brazil vs Belgium Clash

Brazil head coach Tite has confirmed Marcelo is back in contention for a place in his starting XI in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final with Belgium after recovering from a back injury.

The Real Madrid left-back lasted just 10 minutes of Brazil’s 2-0 Group E win over Serbia, when he was forced off with back spasms and replaced by Filipe Luis.

Marcelo subsequently missed the 2-0 defeat of Mexico in the last 16 and Filipe Luis generally looked assured, even if Hirving Lozano caused him a few issues.

Tite did not confirm whether or not Marcelo will return to his starting XI, but he is ready to make a comeback in Kazan.

“Marcelo left because of a clinical problem, he hasn’t been back because of his condition,” Tite said to reporters at the Kazan Arena.

“Filipe Luis played well in the two matches. Marcelo is coming back.”