Roberto Firmino ready to step in for injured Gabriel Jesus as Brazil's No. 9

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino says he is ready to step into the hole left in Brazil's attacking line after Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus picked up a season-ending broken foot against Bournemouth last month.

Brazil currently sits atop the CONMEBOL standings with 27 points, four points ahead of second-placed Uruguay with the potential to extend that gap as the two countries meet in Montevideo on Thursday.

The Selecao will be without Gabriel Jesus, who has played up top along with Neymar and Philippe Coutinho in manager Tite's preferred lineup, opening the door for Firmino to step into the No. 9 role and add to his two appearances off the bench since last June.

"I think we have similar games, that's good. Gabriel unfortunately is injured. But I was in the other call-ups," Firmino said, as quoted by ESPN FC.

"I've been coming in well and have helped. I'm prepared. For me that means everything, a great opportunity. If the coach picks me, I will give my best."