See who could replace Paquetá for Brazil against Norway | OneFootball

Brazil have been handed a new medical and tactical challenge for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup.

After leaving the pitch in severe pain during the 2-1 win over Japan, midfielder Lucas Paquetá had a muscle injury confirmed and will be unavailable for Brazil.

Imaging tests carried out this Tuesday (30) in New Jersey confirmed the scenario feared by the coaching staff.

The Flamengo midfielder suffered a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh.

The issue occurred in the final minutes of the first half against the Japanese.

Paquetá began limping and left the field at halftime in a lot of pain, needing support from Neymar and being comforted by his teammates.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) released an official statement on the player’s condition:

"Player Lucas Paquetá underwent imaging tests this Tuesday, which confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh. The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, under the supervision of the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as soon as possible."

According to reports from UOL and ESPN, the expected recovery time is between 3 and 4 weeks, which rules the player out of the upcoming knockout rounds of the World Cup.

With the injury, Paquetá joined forward Raphinha in the national team’s medical department.

Who could replace Paquetá?

A starter in all four of Brazil’s World Cup matches so far, Paquetá is a key piece in coach Carlo Ancelotti’s system.

His absence will force the Italian not only to swap personnel, but possibly to adapt the team for the Round of 16 clash against Norway.

Keep the structure

Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos operates in the same area of the pitch. Although he has had limited minutes (coming on against Morocco, Haiti and Japan), he is seen as the most natural replacement if Ancelotti wants to keep the tactical setup unchanged.

Neymar’s time?

Back from injury and building rhythm since the match against Scotland, the No. 10 would add maximum creativity and decisiveness to the attack.

On the other hand, Brazil would inevitably lose intensity in pressing and defensive recovery, both key traits of Paquetá’s game.

A bet on Endrick

It was Ancelotti’s immediate choice during the game against Japan.

With the youngster coming on, Matheus Cunha dropped deeper to play farther from the box, as a midfielder, while Endrick moved into the center.

This option leaves the team with four men up front, a shape the coach has tested since the start of his tenure.

Tactical variation

Scorer of the goal that secured qualification in the Round of 16, Gabriel Martinelli played a different role after coming on in the second half against Japan. He operated centrally, forming a partnership with Endrick, while leaving the wide channels to Vini Jr. and Rayan.

The movement showed that Ancelotti trusts Martinelli to play in a more central role.

Outside contenders

Names like Igor Thiago and Luiz Henrique could come into the picture for the national team, but for now they remain outsiders to earn a spot because of Paquetá’s injury.

The decision on who will take over the starting role will become clearer over the next few days of training in New Jersey, as the team tries to maintain the balance needed to advance to the quarterfinals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors