Brazil’s Paqueta Ruled Out of World Cup Clash with Norway

Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been ruled out of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway after sustaining a hamstring injury, according to a source within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The source also revealed that the midfielder is unlikely to feature again in the tournament unless Brazil progress to the World Cup final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Paqueta suffered the injury during Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday after starting in midfield alongside Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.

The West Ham United player has since been undergoing intensive treatment but has not recovered sufficiently to be available for the knockout encounter against Erling Haaland-led Norway.

He is currently the only confirmed injury absentee for head coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the crucial fixture.

Paqueta’s absence presents Ancelotti with a significant selection decision as Brazil seek a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Italian tactician could replace him with Danilo Santos in a direct midfield swap or adjust his tactical approach by introducing a more attack-minded player such as Endrick or Gabriel Martinelli.

Brazil have impressed in the tournament so far and are among the favourites to lift the trophy, but losing one of their key midfielders is expected to test the squad’s depth.

Meanwhile, Barcelona forward Raphinha has resumed individual training after recovering from the thigh injury he sustained during Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti.

The winger has been training separately from the main squad as medical staff continue to assess his fitness.

According to the CBF source, Raphinha could be included among the substitutes for Sunday’s match if his recovery progresses positively over the coming days.

Brazil will face a determined Norway side led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, with both teams battling for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The five-time world champions will hope their squad depth is enough to overcome Paqueta’s absence and continue their quest for another global title under Ancelotti’s leadership.