Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá will miss Sunday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway after suffering a hamstring injury, a source at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) told AFP.
The midfielder sustained the injury during Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday and is not expected to feature again unless the Seleção reach the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.
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Paquetá, who has started alongside Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães in midfield throughout the tournament, has been undergoing intensive treatment and remains Brazil’s only confirmed absentee ahead of the meeting with Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti could replace him with Danilo Santos in midfield or reshape his side by introducing a more attack-minded option such as Endrick or Gabriel Martinelli.
Meanwhile, Barcelona winger Raphinha has resumed individual training after recovering from a thigh injury suffered during Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti and could return to the bench if he proves his fitness before Sunday’s encounter.