Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a positive update on Raphinha’s fitness, revealing that the Barcelona winger could feature in Monday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Norway.
Raphinha Could Return for Brazil’s World Cup Clash Against Norway, Says Ancelotti
The 29-year-old suffered an injury during Brazil’s group stage match against Haiti and has been sidelined since then.
Initial reports suggested Raphinha would miss the crucial knockout fixture, but Ancelotti has now confirmed the player is making excellent progress in his recovery.
“Raphinha is progressing very well,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“He’s not 100% yet, but he could be available on the bench and play a few minutes or be useful in some moments.”
The Brazilian coach expressed his satisfaction with the winger’s rapid recovery, emphasising the player’s importance to the national team setup.
“He recovered very well and very quickly. We’re happy about that because Raphinha is very important to the team.”
Brazil face Norway in New Jersey on Monday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Raphinha’s potential return would provide a significant boost to the Selecao’s attacking options, especially given the high stakes of the knockout stage.
The Barcelona star has been a key figure for Brazil throughout the tournament, bringing creativity and goal threat from the wide positions.
His absence against Haiti was noticeable, and his possible inclusion against Norway could prove decisive.
Ancelotti confirmed that Raphinha will travel with the squad and be named in the matchday squad, though he cautioned that the player is unlikely to start the game.
The coaching staff will assess his fitness closer to kick-off before deciding on the extent of his involvement.
“For us, it’s excellent news that Raphinha has recovered so quickly from what looked like a more serious injury,” added the Italian manager.
“Having someone of his quality available, even for a few minutes, can change a game.”
Brazil will need all their attacking firepower against a resilient Norway side that topped their group.
The match promises to be a stern test for Ancelotti’s men, and Raphinha’s potential return could provide the spark needed to secure progression to the last eight.
Kick-off in New Jersey is scheduled for Monday evening, with Raphinha’s fitness likely to be one of the major talking points leading up to the game.
