Philippe Coutinho is ready to step in for the suspended Neymar when Brazil continue their quest for a quarter-final spot at the Copa America in Sunday's game against Venezuela.
Barcelona forward Neymar was handed a four-match ban by t he South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) for his role in the post-game fracas which followed Wednesday's Group C defeat against Colombia.
Brazil coach Dunga has been training with Coutinho as Neymar's replacement, and the Liverpool man is confident the Selecao can advance without their star man.
"Like the rest of my team-mates in the national squad, I am ready to occupy Ney's place in the game against Venezuela," Coutinho said.
"Neymar is a terrific player, but I am prepared - we all are. We are going to overcome his absence to go on the next stage.
"Venezuela are tactically very good and they mark in a strong way. But, in Brazil, we all have the determination to play well and look for the triumph."
Neymar was shown a straight red card for confronting Jeison Murillo and Carlos Bacca. He also insulted Chilean referee Enrique Osses on his way back to the dressing room.
Conmebol board member Alberto Lozada said: "It was a tough decision - there was a lot of analysis.
"The aggression shown to the referee made the punishment higher. That was serious. If he had remained silent, the sentence would have been lower."
Bacca was banned for two matches and fined US dollars 5,000 for his part in the melee.
All four teams in the pool head into their final game on three points, having each won one and lost one so far.
Venezuela coach Noel Sanvicente is confident his team can capitalise on Neymar's absence in Santiago.
"The Copa squads are even," he said. "We are in a tough group and we must take all of our chances in the next match.
"We know what Brazil is, and without Neymar I believe that we can win."
Captain Juan Arango agreed that Brazil were weaker without the 23-year-old, but remained wary.
"Brazil are not going through their best moment, and they encounter many more difficulties when Neymar does not play," the Tijuana midfielder said.
"But it is still Brazil - they will always be a dangerous opponent and it is going to be a hard match."
Source: PA
