Globoesporte is reporting that Brazil midfielder Renato Augusto will lose his place in upcoming friendlies against Russia and Germany.
The Seleção play Russia in Moscow on Friday and Globo says that Chelsea’s Willian is set to take his place, which could mean Philippe Coutinho moves back into midfield.
Tite has spoken at length about finding different solutions against teams that defend deep and it looks as though he will experiment against Russia by fielding Willian ahead of Renato.
Globo goes on to say that Manchester City’s Fernandinho will take Renato Augusto’s place against Germany in Berlin next Tuesday.
Renato Augusto has only played 3 times in 2018 for Beijing Guoan, as the Chinese season stopped in November and only started again this month.
Fernandinho’s club form has impressed Tite and Renato Augusto’s place has been under threat as a result, with Casemiro and Paulinho automatic picks in midfield.
Tite has been concerned about how Brazil will seek to break down defensive sides at the World Cup, especially since November’s 0-0 draw with England.
It looks as though he will experiment with Coutinho in a slightly deeper role and Willian playing on the wide right in order to try and solve this problem.