Bruno Guimaraes dropped - Newcastle United star loses first-team place after criticism
Brazil manager Dorival Junior has revealed Bruno Guimaraes is set to be axed for their starting line-up against Chile on Friday.
For Newcastle United, the midfielder is almost undroppable, becoming a stalwart for Eddie Howe in midfield. Guimaraes was crowned team captain earlier this year and began rediscovering his best form before the international break.
His form for the Magpies has helped him become a regular on the international stage. However, Guimaraes has failed to replicate those heroics for Brazil, coming under criticism from the South American media.
Last month saw the Toon ace panned after the Selecao lost 1-0 to Paraguay, with Globo Esporto scoring him as Brazil’s worst player. While he kept him in his squad, manager Junior revealed Guimaraes will start the Chile game - which kicks off at 1am GMT on Friday - as a substitute.
“Bruno is a very important player,” he told reporters. “His departure today doesn’t mean he loses his importance, he knows that. It’s just an attempt to find a different midfield, with a player who is more accustomed to getting closer, as is the case with (Lucas) Paqueta.
“He (the West Ham United midfielder) has already performed this role in other moments here in the national team, maybe we can repeat all of this, especially because we will have a player like Raphinha in the middle who will support the midfield.
“With this, we will strengthen our ability to recover the ball and reach the opponent’s goal a little more. This does not mean that, in the match, Bruno cannot maintain his importance in the group. He was one of the best players, if not the best, in the Copa América.”