Vinicius was set to make his Brazil debut before pulling out of friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic due to an ankle injury.

Ajax star David Neres replaced the 18 year-old winger and impressed in the 3-1 victory over Czech Republic.

Vinicius may not return until early May and with the Copa America scheduled to get underway in June, Tite said: "Vinicius missed an opportunity, he's going to have to play very well in his club.

"Neres is going to have to continue playing very well, just as Richarlison entered a situation where Pedro was injured."

"We say to them: 'Play very well in your clubs.' We will accompany, monitor and the moment they are in will be decisive."

Criticised after the 1-1 draw against Panama, Brazil was unconvincing in its win away to the Czechs in Prague, where Gabriel Jesus's brace spared Tite's blushes.

David Pavelka put Czech Republic ahead before half-time, though Roberto Firmino equalised early in the second half.

Substitute Jesus came off the bench and scored twice to ease some of the pressure on Tite with a Copa America on home soil looming.

"Criticism can come from everyone, I'm exposed in my line of work and I must know how to deal with it. I just can't deal with situations regarding moral or education, the rest is ok. I'm exposed and I have no intent of hitting back. No hypocrisy," Tite said.

On Brazil's form since its quarter-final exit at the 2018 World Cup, Tite said: "It's been normal. If I had to use an adjective, let's be careful not to synthesise too much. It's normal, as far as modifications can be.

"For one who is listening, when he's working with people [players] that he already knows, things flow easier. On the creative phase it might hurt a little, but our standard has been normal."