Football
Associated Press 6y

Brazil: Possible Dani Alves replacement Fagner will be fit for World Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Corinthians right-back Fagner has been cleared by Brazil's football federation to play in the World Cup in Russia.

Fagner, 28, and Manchester City's Danilo are the most likely substitutes for team leader Dani Alves, who will miss the tournament because of a knee injury.

The Brazilian federation said in a statement on Sunday that team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has indicated Fagner will be fit for the tournament that kicks off on June 14.

Fagner, who is battling an injury to his right thigh, has not played since April 29.

A former Brazil Under-20 international, Fagner has been capped four times for the Selecao in his career and was in the squad for Brazil's two most recent friendlies against Russia and Germany in March.

Brazil coach Tite will announce his full 23-man World Cup squad on Monday in Rio de Janeiro.

Tite and Fagner previously worked together at Corinthians, where they stormed to a league title in 2015. Danilo and Bayern Munich's Rafinha have had less interaction with the coach.

Brazil's first game in Russia will be on June 17 against Switzerland.

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