Brazil have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 clash against Norway, with star midfielder Lucas Paqueta ruled out due to a hamstring injury, AFP reported.
The match is scheduled for Sunday at 2 a.m. Bangladesh time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Paqueta’s absence is a major setback for the five-time champions.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has not confirmed when Paqueta will return. According to a CBF source cited in the report, the midfielder is unlikely to feature again in this tournament unless Brazil reach the final.
Paqueta started alongside Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in the round-of-32 victory over Japan, but sustained the injury during the first half and did not return after halftime. He is currently undergoing treatment.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has several options to fill the void, including Danilo Santos. A more attacking approach could see Endrick or Gabriel Martinelli given an opportunity.
Meanwhile, winger Raphinha is gradually recovering from a thigh injury sustained in the second group match against Haiti. The Barcelona forward is currently training separately from the main squad. A team source indicated he could be included on the substitutes’ bench if his condition improves before the Norway match.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report