Freak injury may leave Brazil’s Marcelo out of Mexico clash

Brazilian Federation doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has claimed that Marcelo had to be substituted off from their match against Serbia due to a back problem caused from a hotel mattress.

The Real Madrid left back had to leave the game early in the first half after suffering from lower back pain. The Brazilian Federation later released a statement saying the player was diagnosed with back spasms and had responded well to initial treatment.

Lasmar admitted it is too early to tell, but Marcelo could add to Brazil’s growing number of injuries. The five-time world champions are already without right back Danilo, who may not be fit enough to return against Mexico, and Douglas Costa. The latter has been struggling with a thigh injury even before the start of the tournament.

While Mexico have no injuries to report on, they will be missing a key defender in Hector Moreno. The experienced center back picked up two yellow cards during the group stage and will miss the game against Brazil.