Lucas Paquetá ruled out of World Cup last 16 with thigh injury | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá has suffered a left thigh injury and will miss Brazil's World Cup last 16. He underwent scans on Tuesday, the day after the win over Japan in the second phase.

The CBF said he will follow an intensive treatment protocol with the national team's medical staff, with no timeframe for his return.

Late in the first half he began to limp and left at the interval in clear pain, supported by Neymar. He was replaced by Endrick for the second period.

He stayed on the bench, celebrating Brazil's goals, but avoided putting weight on his left leg. Paquetá had started every Brazil match so far. In the second half Carlo Ancelotti first used Matheus Cunha in a midfield role, then turned to Gabriel Martinelli for the task.

After 10 days out, Raphinha began his on-field transition on Tuesday as he recovers from a right thigh issue, working lightly on a tennis court. The coaching staff remain cautious about his last-16 involvement.

Brazil were given time off after Tuesday's session and will regroup late on Wednesday. They have three days of training before Sunday, when they face Norway or Ivory Coast at 17:00 Brasília time in the last 16.

Source: Globo.com