Brazil hit with injury blow as second starter is ruled out of Norway World Cup clash

The Norwegian side were impressive in their victory over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland netting a late winner of their own against the African team. The Norwegian team will go in with nothing to lose against Brazil, and more than enough attacking talent to pounce on the counter-attack. Ancelotti knew beforehand that he would be preparing the match without Barcelona’s Raphinha, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, but now has a second absence to contend with from his starting XI.

Lucas Paqueta ruled out of Brazil-Norway

The positive news, as reported by Sport, is that Bournemouth winger Rayan is expected to be fit for Brazil. The teenager has been the surprise package for Brazil, and has come in for Raphinha over recent games. There is less positive news on the injury of Paqueta, who has been ruled out with a muscle problem for the Round of 16 tie. He is also in danger of missing the rest of the tournament.

Ancelotti’s alternatives to Paqueta

If Ancelotti is to go for a straight swap in midfield, he has limited options to partner Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro. Ederson dos Santos and Fabinho are more defensive options than Paqueta, while Danilo Santos is less tested at this level. Ancelotti could add a more traditional playmaker further forward, with Neymar Junior fit again, and capable of playing number 10, or he could drop Matheus Cunha back into that role, and use Igor Thiago, Martinelli or Endrick Felipe further forward.