Brazil: Ederson pulls OUT of squad for WC qualifiers due to illness

Brazil's preparations for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers have hit a snag with goalkeeper Ederson having to withdraw due to illness.

The five-time winners have already qualified for the finals in Qatar later this year but still have three matches remaining.

Two of those are this month with Brazil hosting Chile on Thursday before they then travel to Bolivia on Tuesday night. The other match to be played is their to be confirmed rearranged fixture against bitter rivals Argentina.

However, Tite's side will be without Manchester City stopper Ederson now who is feeling unwell.

The 28-year-old has been replaced in the 26-man squad by Atletico Mineiro's Everson.

In a short statement, the Brazil FA said: 'The rest of the group arrives in Teresopolis this Tuesday, with the exception of goalkeeper Everson, summoned to replace fellow position Ederson. The Atletico-MG player joins the Brazilian team in Rio de Janeiro, on Wednesday.”

Ederson's absence means Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be competing with Palmeiras’ Weverton and Everson for the No 1 jersey with the national setup.

With Manchester City not back in action until April 2, when they face Burnley in the Premier League, Ederson has some time to recuperate.