Suspended Brazil captain Thiago Silva backs Chelsea’s Willian to fill in for injured Neymar

Chelsea’s Willian could replace Neymar in the starting XI

Thiago Silva has given his backing to Chelsea midfielder Willian to fill the boots of Neymar for the remainder of the World Cup, after the Brazil talisman was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Neymar suffered a fracture in his vertebrae in Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia on Friday, ruling him out for a minimum of three weeks, ensuring he will play no further part in Brazil’s campaign to win the sixth World Cup on home soil.

A nation has been in mourning since news broke of the severity of Neymar’s injury, but with a semi-final against France to prepare for on Friday, Brazil have had to examine the other options available to them to replace their most important player for the remainder of their tournament.

Shakhtar Donetsk forward Bernard is a strong tip for some to take the place of their star man, but Silva has given his backing to Willian, believing him to be the perfect man to fill the void in their forward line.

Silva told reporters, “Neymar is a boy who dreamed so much of this time. But I’m sure we have good spare parts.

“I believe very much in Willian, who has almost the same qualities as Neymar and believe in this moment, he will fill the gap very well.

“This is where we have to show the strength of this group.”