Flamengo's Everton Ribeiro was within the varsity for Wednesday's training session and Tite confirmed on Thursday that he will start if Neymar is unavailable. Neymar flew with the team to Sao Paulo for Friday's match but is unable to practice on Thursday.
The national team's doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said he has been receiving treatment, and has seen minor improvements, but that it's timely to inform whether are going to be available. Neymar was seen on video putting his hand on his back and keeling on the sector .
Without Neymar, the Copa America champs should still take all three points against the Bolivians, though Tite's team is additionally down two key players in goalkeeper Alisson (Liverpool) and striker Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City).
After Friday's match against Bolivia, Brazil will visit Lima to play against Copa America finalist Peru. All South American qualifiers for October are being played without fans because the continent continues to wear down the continuing COVID19.