Brazil forward Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona in January will return. It is uncertain what kind of reception Coutinho will receive, with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish this week requesting the “boo boys” to stay away from the match.
“We haven’t had that conversation about Philippe returning to Anfield,” Fernandinho said. “But I believe he’s happy because he spent a couple years at Liverpool, had some fantastic games where his performances managed to take him to Barcelona and the Brazilian national team. I believe it will be an honour for him to return to a city and home he knows well.”
Brazil have an injury doubt over Renato Augusto and he is likely to miss Sunday’s fixture due to a right knee issue. But Brazil’s squad has had a relaxed feel to it this week ahead of the more serious work. Brazil have always been regarded as the most watchable team in world football and intend to carry on their role as great entertainers, win, lose or draw in Russia. “We cannot promise the title, but we can promise great matches,” said captain Thiago Silva.