As Brazil prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Argentina on March 25, 2025, the team finds itself grappling with several significant absences that could impact their performance. Following a hard-fought victory against Colombia (2-1) on March 20, coach Dorival Junior's squad has been plagued by injuries, suspensions, and the loss of key players, raising concerns just days before the showdown with their traditional rivals.
The Seleção will notably be without star forward Neymar, who has already been ruled out due to an injury. The situation worsened when goalkeeper Alisson sustained a head injury in the match against Colombia after colliding with Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez. Following the incident, which raised alarms regarding a concussion, Liverpool announced that Alisson would be returning to Merseyside to undergo medical evaluation. "Alisson is back in Merseyside and will be examined by the medical staff of the Reds," the club reported.
In addition to Alisson, Brazil will also be missing midfielders Gerson and Bruno Guimarães. Gerson is sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained during the Colombia match, which forced him to exit early in the game, while Guimarães has accumulated yellow cards that have resulted in an automatic suspension. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that both players would be unavailable to face Argentina.
The absence of defender Gabriel Magalhães adds to Brazil's woes, as he too has received a suspension for accumulating yellow cards in the qualifiers, leading to an unexpected reshuffle in the team. The CBF communicated these changes, stating, "Beraldo, João Gomes, Éderson and Weverton have been called up by the coach for the match against Argentina to replace Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Gerson, and Alisson."
Changing gears quickly, the Seleção has called in young PSG defender Lucas Beraldo, who was not originally part of the squad. Beraldo’s call-up came as a surprise, especially considering he stayed back in Paris during the international break. However, the necessity arose after Gabriel's yellow card, which prompted the coaching staff to reconsider their options. Beraldo has shown promise in previous matches, and his performance is being closely watched. "Beraldo does not feel the pressure... He plays every ball. He is a very important player for us, and you know how young he is," praised PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique. He emphasized Beraldo's readiness and competitive spirit, bolstering the hopes for a young player stepping up under pressure.
In response to this upheaval, Brazil's coach Dorival Junior will have to devise a new strategy to tackle Argentina, who come into the match with a formidable lineup and currently lead the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points. Brazil, possessing 21 points, aims to secure not just a victory but also a vital source of momentum as they push to secure a direct qualification spot for the World Cup.
The stakes are high as the World Cup qualifiers reach a crucial stage; the top six teams in the standings will earn their place in the next year’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Potentially emboldened by Argentina’s own star absentees—Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martinez are out due to injuries—the Brazilian team, despite its issues, hopes to capitalize on any weaknesses. They will not only focus on defending their tournament ambitions but also on overcoming the odds stacked against them.
As the footballing world turns its attention towards Buenos Aires, fans from both sides will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of this Superclásico, a battle that historically brings high emotion and intense competition. With both teams missing key players, there’s an added layer of unpredictability, but one thing remains certain: the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina never disappoints.
