Thiago Silva Urges Coutinho To Lead Brazil After Injury Ruled Neymar Out

By Joshua Walters

Brazil defender Thiago Silva has called on Philippe Coutinho to lead the side in the Copa America with the absence of Neymar.

Neymar was ruled out of the competition after injuring his ankle in the side's friendly win over Qatar on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional leaving Brazil with a big blow.

Though Brazil have a well prepared squad ahead of the Copa America, Thiago Silva has pointed to Coutinho to step up for the side this time round.

Thiago Silva admitted that though Coutinho had a frausting season at Barcelona that brought a lot of criticism from some section of the fans, he should be the main man to take on the mantle since Neymar will be on the sidelines.

"The collective game comes first. Coutinho had a difficult season in Barcelona. It was demanding and they booed him many times, but here in the team he is our reference, especially when we don't have Neymar," he said.

"Coutinho calls for the game. In the two friendlies we played he was the best player on the pitch, not only because of passes and goals, but also with his defence. He is finding his happiness again.

"I'm very happy and not at all comfortable talking about this player because we are very close.

"In the first friendly, I tried to pass him some calmness, and I told Neymar also to give him help.

"We need him, especially now with the absence of Neymar."

The Barcelona forward was a delight to watch as Brazil defeated ten men Honduras 7-0 in their last warm-up game, having scored from a penalty and also providing an assist.