Soccer-Vinicius Jr to replace Rodrygo for injury-depleted Brazil

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Brazil v Ecuador - Estadio Antonio Couto Pereira, Curitiba, Brazil - September 6, 2024 Brazil's Vinicius Jr during the warm up REUTERS/Rodolfo Buhrer/File Photo

(Reuters) - Brazil coach Dorival Jr said striker Vinicius Jr would start Thursday's South American World Cup qualifier against Venezuela in place of Rodrygo.

Vinicius Jr, who missed Brazil's victories over Peru and Chile last month with a neck injury, will be back in the starting lineup after Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo suffered a muscle injury in Saturday's 4-0 win over Osasuna in LaLiga.