Marcelo returns to the national team for the game against Belgium.

(Reuters)- Left-back Marcelo will return to the starting lineup for the Brazilian national team's quarter-final match against Belgium on Friday, and midfielder Fernandinho will replace the suspended Casemiro, coach Tite said on Thursday.

Marcelo left the field early in the first-round match against Serbia with back pain and was replaced by Filipe Luís, who remained in the team for the round of 16 match against Mexico since the starter was not 100 percent physically fit.

"Marcelo left for medical reasons and didn't return due to physical reasons, and Filipe Luís played very well, but Marcelo is coming back," the coach said in a press conference the day before the match in Kazan.

Suspended with two yellow cards, Casemiro will be replaced by Fernandinho in the defensive midfield position in front of the defense, which has only conceded one goal in the World Cup in Russia, in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

Belgium, on the other hand, has the attack that has scored the most goals in the World Cup and one of the tournament's top scorers, Romelu Lukaku.

"Belgium isn't just Lukaku, who is a great striker, and I think the main way to stop an opponent is to be aware of everyone on the field because they have skillful players and a vertical style of play," said defender Miranda, who will captain Brazil in the game.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian national team's number 9, striker Gabriel Jesus, is still without a goal in the World Cup and has been the target of some criticism. Even so, he will remain in the starting lineup, with Firmino on the bench.

The coach praised Firmino, but highlighted Jesus' tactical importance and versatility to the team. "We have players with different characteristics but equal importance," he stated.

Brazil will take the field against Belgium with: Alisson, Fagner, Miranda, Thiago Silva and Marcelo; Fernandinho, Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho; Willian, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus.