Paquetá has tests in New Jersey on Tuesday, doubtful for next Copa round | OneFootball

Paquetá left the field during Brazil vs. Japan with thigh pain

Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup round of 16 brought mixed feelings. While Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal secured progression against Japan, the early exit of Lucas Paquetá caused concern. The Flamengo midfielder left the pitch at halftime of Monday’s match (29) after feeling discomfort in the back of his left thigh.

WHAT IS PAQUETÁ’S CURRENT MEDICAL SITUATION?

The situation calls for immediate caution from Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff. Paquetá was substituted right at the end of the first half.

The sight of Brazil’s No. 20 limping off the field, supported by Neymar and Endrick, heightened concerns about the player’s physical condition. During the opening stages of the match against the Japanese side, Paquetá took a knock in the area, which worsened the discomfort he felt later.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TUESDAY’S TESTS?

The decision on Lucas Paquetá’s continuation in the World Cup depends entirely on the clinical assessment. The player will undergo imaging tests this Tuesday (30) in New Jersey.

These tests will reveal the exact severity of the discomfort in his left thigh. Until the official results are released, the midfielder’s availability for the round-of-16 match remains uncertain.

It is worth noting that Brazil is waiting for the outcome of the match between Norway and Ivory Coast to learn its next opponent, in a match scheduled for next Sunday (05).

IS THERE CONCERN BECAUSE OF A PREVIOUS INJURY?

His recent history raises a warning sign regarding Lucas Paquetá’s muscles. In April this year, swelling in the tendon of his left thigh kept the midfielder off the pitch for nearly a month.

The recovery required him to stay out of Flamengo’s activities between April and May. As the current pain is in the same area, the Brazilian national team’s medical department is following a strict evaluation protocol before making any official statement about the recovery period.

Even amid the uncertainty, the message left by the midfielder on social media suggests optimism: the focus remains on continuing Brazil’s journey through to the end of the tournament.

HOW ARE THE OTHER FLAMENGO PLAYERS DOING?

Monitoring of the club’s representatives at the World Cup remains intense. Coluna do Fla is following the situation of all players available to Carlo Ancelotti on a daily basis.

In addition to Lucas Paquetá, Flamengo’s contingent in the national team includes Léo Pereira, Danilo, and Alex Sandro. The trio remains available to the coach for the upcoming matches.

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