RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) — Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been drafted into Brazil’s squad for 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday.
The 21-year-old replaces Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, who was omitted earlier in the day due to a hamstring injury.
Vinicius has been in explosive form for Real Madrid this season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 15 matches across all competitions.
The former Flamengo player has made only seven appearances for Brazil’s senior national team and has yet to register a goal or an assist.
Brazil currently lead the South American qualifying group with 31 points from 11 matches.
The five-time world champions will meet Colombia in Sao Paulo on November 11 and Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.
