Still without Neymar and already securely perched in the round of 16, Brazil will use their last group game at the World Cup to give playing time to their reserves and also test their bench strength.

Coach Tite may make changes in quite a few positions for the game against Cameroon at Lusail Stadium on Friday when a draw will be enough to give five-time champions Brazil first place in Group G.

The game means more to Cameroon, who need a win to keep their hopes of advancing alive. And that may not even be enough depending on the result of the other group game between Switzerland and Serbia.

Brazil have six points, three more than Switzerland and five more than both Cameroon and Serbia.

Cameroon are trying to advance past the group stage for the first time since their run to the quarter finals in 1990 when a squad led by striker Roger Milla was eliminated by England in extra time.

The Cameroonians, who opened in Qatar with a loss to Switzerland and then drew with Serbia, theoretically are catching a break for the final group game because of the changes expected in the Brazil squad.

Tite may field mainly reserve players, starting with Ederson replacing Alisson in goal. Veteran Dani Alves could come into the defence, while Fabinho is set to play in the midfield. Antony and Gabriel Martinelli may be part of the attack.

Tite is likely to give playing time to all seven players who are yet to appear in the tournament. “Tite had already told us after the game against Switzerland that he intended to make changes in the line-up,” midfielder Fabinho said.

“He said he wanted everyone to play and we are happy with that decision.”

Star forward Neymar, right-back Danilo and left-back Alex Sandro are not available because of injuries. Neymar is still treating his right ankle injury and his return remains unclear.