Brazil suffered defeat in their second game of the international break with a 3-2 loss to Japan, completely undoing the good feeling that had emerged from their dominant victory against South Korea.
Their 5-0 win earlier in the international break saw Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian show he is ready to be the key man for his country, scoring twice as part of a star-studded frontline with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
Brazilian media waxed lyrical about Estevao’s performance, with it coming off the back of his starring cameo in the Chelsea win against Liverpool.
However, Carlo Ancelotti decided to make mass changes to his side for their second fixture, leaving the youngster on the bench.
Japan v Brazil - International Friendly
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti regrets benching Estevao Willian as Brazil lose to Japan
Despite going into a 2-0 lead, Brazil were pegged back and defeated 3-2, losing to Japan for the first time in their history.
The former Chelsea boss decided to start Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Luiz Henrique in attack, and even though both the former found the net, there was not enough threat from the attackers.
Enzo Maresca will have had everything crossed that his wonderkid returned to Stamford Bridge with a clean bill of health, especially as he already has a mountain of issues to deal with ahead of the international break.
Enzo Fernandez left the Argentina camp after their first game of the international break, while Reece James also faces a race against time to be fit in time to face Nottingham Forest.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti before his side's international friendly against South Korea.
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Estevao survives fitness concern
It was reported that there were doubts over Estevao’s ability to feature in the game at all after an issue he faced after the South Korea win.
Estevao was diagnosed with the flu, and an illness to a key attacker is the last thing Maresca needs ahead of their return to Premier League action.
Cole Palmer will not return until November, while striker Liam Delap will not be available either as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.
It is likely that Estevao is in line for a start against Forest, with him already showing his abilities in his first few months as a Chelsea player.