Brazil's football federation has changed its stance on the playing surface at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan ahead of the much-anticipated India friendly, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) now satisfied with the condition of the pitch.
The news comes after concerns were raised during the federation's inspection of the venue in August.
A Brazilian delegation had reportedly expressed concerns about the playing surface, particularly the density of the grass. The concern was that the grass was not sufficiently dense and could potentially increase the risk of injuries for Brazil's players.
However, the latest assessment has brought a significant change in the situation. According to sources, the CBF federation is now content with the pitch at the Salt Lake Stadium and has given the playing surface the green light ahead of the October 3 encounter.
The CBF had continued to monitor preparations following the initial inspection, with Brazilian turf specialists also involved in efforts to improve the playing conditions. A report stated a two-member expert team was deputed to work on the turf ahead of Brazil's arrival in Kolkata.
Brazil Bring Star Power To Kolkata
The pitch concerns will now take a back seat as attention turns towards the players who will take the field. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.
The squad includes some of the biggest names in world football, with Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior and Endrick joined by Barcelona forward Raphinha. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, PSG captain Marquinhos and Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimarães are also part of the squad.
Brazil will first face Australia on September 25 in Townsville and again on September 29 in Brisbane before travelling to Kolkata for their historic first-ever senior international meeting with India on October 3.
The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM local time.
Huge Excitement Among Indian Fans
The confirmation that Brazil are satisfied with the Kolkata pitch is another major boost for the highly anticipated fixture.
The presence of Vinícius, Raphinha, Endrick, Joao Pedro and other Brazilian stars is expected to create huge interest among Indian football fans, particularly in Kolkata, where Brazil has a huge and passionate following.
With the venue now cleared and Brazil's star-studded squad confirmed, preparations are firmly focused on October 3 and what promises to be a historic night for Indian football.