Colombia's coach Nestor Lorenzo shouts instructions to his players during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Ecuador at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito, Ecuador, Oct 17, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

BOGOTA -- Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo has warned his players not to underestimate a wounded Brazil when the teams meet in their FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Brazil is currently third in the South American qualifying group, having been held to a 1-1 home draw with Venezuela before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay last month.

Among those missing from Lorenzo's squad are Jhon Arias and Juan Cuadrado, both of whom are suspended

Fernando Diniz's men failed to have a single shot on target against the Celeste as they stumbled to their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 2015.

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In addition to their lackluster form, the five-time world champions have been weakened by injuries to influential midfielder Casemiro and star forward Neymar.

The Cafeteros, who are fifth in the 10-team group with six points from four games, also have their share of absentees for the clash at Barranquilla's Estadio Metropolitano.

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Among those missing from Lorenzo's squad are Jhon Arias and Juan Cuadrado, both of whom are suspended.

Santiago Arias and Mateo Cassierra are also out due to injury while playmaker James Rodriguez is in doubt with a groin problem.

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"We are missing some important players but that doesn't mean we can't pose difficulties for our opponents," Lorenzo said.

"Brazil have world-class players but we are going to make every effort to play our best football and get the result we are looking for."