Paulo Henrique to miss Internacional trip after ankle sprain despite desire to play | OneFootball

Paulo Henrique has been ruled out of Vasco’s trip to Internacional on Saturday in the 16th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro after tests confirmed a right ankle sprain, according to Globo.com. The right-back had insisted he would play regardless.

The number 96 collided with Paysandu left-back Bonifazi three minutes into the second half of Wednesday’s draw, which secured Vasco a place in the Copa do Brasil last 16. He left the pitch in tears and was replaced by Puma Rodríguez.

He received swift treatment in the dressing room with his ankle strapped. Though still in discomfort, the issue is not classed as serious. He had made himself available to Renato Gaúcho for Beira-Rio.

With the World Cup squad announcement due on Monday, he viewed the Internacional match as a last chance to impress for a place in the final 26. He is on the provisional list but faces a difficult task.

Roma’s Wesley is viewed as virtually certain at right-back, and in the last international window Carlo Ancelotti tried Roger Ibañez of Al-Ahli in the role and liked his performances. Even so, the Vasco defender still hopes to be in the United States, having been called up in October and scoring in a friendly against Japan.

Last year, Paulo Henrique played through pain during the decisive Copa do Brasil phase because of a foot problem. He then missed the start of this season while undergoing treatment.

Source: Globo.com