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Brazil winger Hulk left training on Sunday after complaining of thigh discomfort, and was unable to return after receiving treatment.
As a result, his status is up in the air for Tuesday's match against Mexico.
“I can play, we have to face everything in a World Cup and I hope this is no big deal," Hulk said, according to Sky Sports. "I shot twice and felt discomfort. I left [training] as a precaution and I hope there will be no problem. Scolari will decide, but I want to play in all the games. I’ll have treatment and try to be fit for Tuesday so that I can help the national team. I’ll talk with Scolari and see what’s best for the national team. I am a player that always tries to help out as much as possible. Of course this worries me but I am in the hands of great professionals.”
Hulk also added another reason he very much wants to play on Tuesday.
“I am from the northeast and my family is going to be there,” he said, according to The Guardian. “It is a game that I don’t want to miss. I want to play and I am going to be ready, God willing.”
Should Hulk not be able to play on Tuesday, Brazil have several options. They could use Chelsea attacking midfielder Willian, whose pace and workrate are ideal for the counter-attacking style manager Luis Felipe Scolari has used. Ramires, another Chelsea midfielder, replaced Hulk in the starting XI in training and is another option. If Ramires is used, Brazil would likely change their formation from a 4-2-3-1 to more of a 4-3-3 -- unless he plays out on the wing. Against Croatia, Hulk seemed to play more of a central role, while Oscar was pushed out to the wing. Hulk failed to impress for the most part.
With that said, his power and strength give Brazil an added dimension in the attacking band. Hulk scored 22 goals for Zenit St. Petersburg last season.
