Ancelotti expressed a surprise about Rafinha

Expected confrontation against Norway tomorrow

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti made a surprise announcement by announcing that winger Rafinha has recovered from injury and is ready to take part in the 2026 World Cup match against Norway at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium tomorrow, Sunday.

During a press conference at MetLife Stadium, the Italian coach confirmed that Rafinha has overcome the critical phase of the injury and can play for a few minutes if necessary, saying:

“We are very happy with his recovery because it went well and quickly. He is a very important player for the team.”

Rafinha was injured in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti in the second round of the group stage on June 21, as medical tests revealed a first-degree tear in his right hamstring.

The player underwent an intensive treatment program that included 3 sessions a day under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, which allowed him to recover in record time.

To buy time, Rafinha did not accompany the national team in the subsequent matches in Miami and Houston as he continued his rehabilitation program at the national team headquarters in New York, missing just two matches before joining the group training this week.

His colleague Bruno Guimarez confirmed at the same conference. “Rafinya is good. He trained with us and wants to play. The decision is now in the coach’s hands.”

Rafinha is expected to compete with Neymar Jr. and Endric for his place in the team, given the abundance of options in attack for Ancelotti, who said:

The Italian coach also praised Vinicius Junior’s tactical development, explaining: “At Real Madrid he showed his ability to play multiple roles and we see that at the World Cup as well. If he plays deep, he can score, but if he plays on the sides, his passing is the difference.”

Ancelotti has confirmed Lucas Paqueta’s absence from the rest of the tournament through injury, saying he is considering two options to replace him: Botafogo’s Danilo Santos and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Italian coach concluded his speech by emphasizing the difficulty of the upcoming match against Norway, but maintained an optimistic tone, saying:

Source link