Brazil lead CONMEBOL qualifying with 27 points and will face second-placed Uruguay in Montevideo on Thursday, but will do so without starting striker Gabriel Jesus, who broke his foot in Manchester City's match with Bournemouth last month.

Firmino has been a key figure at Liverpool this season and has been a regular call-up by Brazil boss Tite, though he been reduced to just two substitute appearances for his country since the former Corinthians coach took over the Selecao last June.

With Gabriel out, however, the former Hoffenheim man will likely get his chance to lead the line, and he told reporters on Wednesday that he's ready for the challenge. 

Roberto Firmino is expected to get the call to start from Tite on Thursday.

"I think we have similar games, that's good. Gabriel unfortunately is injured. But I was in the other call-ups," he said.

"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."

Firmino, who debuted in a November 2014 friendly against Turkey, has made 13 appearances for Brazil. He has scored five goals.

Brazil will face Uruguay on Thursday, and then host Paraguay in Sao Paulo five days later. And midfielder Renato Augusto expects a special match against Oscar Tabarez's hard-nosed side at the Centenario.

"This game will have a [Copa] Libertadores atmosphere, playing away from home, negative tactics," Renato told reporters.

"The job is not to play their game, but to play ours, to keep our head and be able to win."