Midfielder suffered left thigh muscle injury during Japan match; Raphinha remains sidelined with right thigh problem.
2:14 PM
Lucas Paquetá is expected to miss Brazil's round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup after imaging tests confirmed a left thigh muscle injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Tuesday.
The midfielder left the field against Japan at halftime on Monday after beginning to limp during the first half. He exited the pitch in considerable pain and was replaced by Endrick for the second half. Paquetá had started in all of Brazil's matches at the tournament to that point.
The CBF said Paquetá will follow an intensive treatment protocol overseen by the national team's medical staff, aimed at his recovery and return to play in the shortest time possible. The confederation did not specify how long he will remain unavailable.
Brazil's next match is scheduled for Sunday in East Rutherford against either Costa d'Ivoire or Norway in the round of 16. Manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the Japan victory that he would consult with the medical department before finalizing the squad for that fixture.
Casemiro also left Monday's match against Japan with a problem but was less of a concern than Paquetá, according to reports. Both players were to be evaluated by the medical staff.
Forward Raphinha, who missed Brazil's previous two matches, continues recovery from a right thigh injury. The CBF said he is without pain and undergoing treatment but has no return date set. Raphinha was injured during the match against Japan.
Brazil's forward will miss the team's opening match against Morocco on June 13 due to a grade two calf injury confirmed by the national team doctor.
The 18-year-old Spanish forward sustained a left hamstring injury Wednesday but is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said the star forward's status for Friday's Group D game remains uncertain after he left the Paraguay match at halftime.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa omitted the 39-year-old striker from the 55-player preliminary squad for the tournament in June.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli sidelined with knee ligament damage sustained in Norway friendly; decision pending on roster status.
Argentina forward left the pitch in the 73rd minute with a leg complaint during Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union before the World Cup.
