Brazil’s Paqueta ruled out of World Cup clash with Norway

MORRISTOWN: Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta will miss Sunday’s World Cup last-16 game against Norway with a hamstring injury, a source at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) told AFP on Thursday.

He is not expected to play again in the tournament, unless Brazil reach the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the source added.

Paqueta, who has started alongside Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, suffered the injury during Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in Houston on Monday.

He has been undergoing intensive treatment and is the only confirmed absentee for coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the meeting with Erling Haaland’s Norway this weekend.

Ancelotti could opt for a like-for-like replacement in Danilo Santos, or alter his set-up to accommodate a more attacking player, such as Endrick or Gabriel Martinelli.

Barcelona forward Raphinha, sidelined since suffering a thigh injury in Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti, has resumed individual training away from the main squad.

Depending on his progress between now and Sunday, he could be included among the substitutes if required, the source said.