Overview
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Raphinha is fit to join the matchday squad for the Round-of-16 game versus Norway but said the winger is not fully fit and will only be used from the bench for short spells if needed.
- Raphinha missed Brazil’s matches after suffering a thigh muscle injury in the second group game against Haiti and has returned to team training as his recovery progressed faster than expected.
- Lucas Paquetá has been ruled out of the Norway match with a thigh problem, leaving a clear vacancy in Brazil’s left midfield role.
- Ancelotti named several players as possible replacements for Paquetá, including Danilo, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha and Éder Militão’s teammate Ederson, and said the final choice will depend on Brazil’s tactical plan and Norway’s strengths.
- Norway reported improved availability when coach Ståle Solbakken said defender Julian Ryerson resumed training and could be selected, a development that may shape Ancelotti’s starting XI and substitution strategy.