Ancelotti admits Brazil lack a Paquetá replacement before Norway World Cup tie | OneFootball

Brazil head into their World Cup last-16 tie with Norway without Lucas Paquetá, and Carlo Ancelotti concedes there is no like-for-like replacement. According to Coluna Do Fla, the Brazil coach said on Saturday he would weigh up options before kick-off.

Paquetá sustained a grade two hamstring injury in the back of his thigh during the 2-1 win over Japan on Monday 29 in the second phase. Medical tests have ruled him out of the next match, and a return later in the tournament looks unlikely.

Ancelotti said Brazil do not have another player with Paquetá’s profile. He noted Danilo and Martinelli offer different qualities, as do Gabriel, Cunha and Éderson, and he will pick what best fits the team while considering the opponent’s strengths.

He outlined possible cover for Paquetá’s off-the-ball work on the left, naming Martinelli and Danilo Santos as options. In possession, the space between centre and left could be taken by Danilo Santos or Vini Jr, while the attacking shape would remain the same, with interpretation depending on the player.

The match will be at MetLife Stadium in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area on Sunday five July, with kick-off at 17:00 Brasília time. A quarter-final place is at stake.

Source: Coluna Do Fla