Two Real Madrid players’ misfortune brought good luck for Gabriel Martinelli and Leo Orchís.
Rodrigo and Militão’s injuries while playing for Real Madrid were the reason Brazil chose Gabriel Martinelli and Leo Orchís as their replacements for the next two World Cup qualifying matches.
In Real Madrid’s last match before the international break on Saturday, they secured a 4-0 win against Osasuna. However, Rodrigo and Militão were injured during the game. In the 20th minute, winger Rodrigo left the pitch with an injury, and shortly after, defender Militão was stretchered off after suffering a severe knee injury.
After tests, Real Madrid confirmed that Militão had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, requiring surgery. The 26-year-old center-back may be out for up to nine months, according to various media reports.
Rodrigo has suffered a muscle injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
Arsenal forward Martinelli, who has played 14 international matches, replaces Rodrigo in the squad.
Flamengo’s 28-year-old center-back Orchís, who has yet to make his international debut, has been called up to the national team for the first time since 2021, when he was brought in as a replacement for the injured Felipe during the Copa América.
Brazil will face Venezuela on Thursday at 3 AM Bangladesh time, followed by a match against Uruguay five days later.
Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the South American World Cup qualifiers with 16 points from 10 matches, with five wins and one draw. Uruguay is in third place with the same number of points. Venezuela is in eighth place with 11 points.
Argentina leads the table with 22 points as the World Cup champions.
