Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he already knows his starting line-up for the country’s World Cup opener against Morocco next weekend.
The announcement came after Brazil’s final warm-up match against Egypt, which ended in victory but was overshadowed by a significant injury concern.
Right back Wesley was forced off in the first half of the Egypt fixture, leaving the South American giants sweating on the Roma defender’s availability heading into the tournament.
Wesley was visibly distressed after leaving the field, reportedly in tears following the setback, and will now undergo tests to determine the full extent of the problem.
Despite the injury blow, Ancelotti struck a composed and confident tone after the final warm-up result, insisting his squad has the depth required to cope without the right back.
Ancelotti said: “First of all, it’s a shame to lose Wesley. We have to wait for the tests now. But we have good players to replace him. I have decided the starting line-up to play against Morocco.”
The Italian manager added that the win over Egypt left him with more clarity than questions heading into the tournament’s opening fixtures.
He continued: “I came away from this game with more certainty than doubts. It was a very good game for us.”
One player who strengthened his case for a key role was Lyon forward Endrick, who scored the decisive goal against Egypt and caught the eye with his movement inside the penalty area.
Ancelotti praised the youngster directly, saying: “He’s very powerful and is always in the right place in the penalty box. And while Matheus Cunha maybe doesn’t finish like Endrick, he’s very important for building the game too.”
Brazil are placed in Group C alongside Morocco and Scotland, with the Scots set to face the Samba stars in Miami in their final group stage fixture.
Scotland’s campaign against Brazil in Miami represents a significant challenge, as Ancelotti’s side arrives at the tournament among the most heavily fancied nations to lift the trophy.
Brazil’s warm-up win over Egypt, Wesley injury aside, will provide genuine encouragement that the squad is hitting form at precisely the right moment going into the competition.
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