Brazil's Ancelotti Confirms Raphinha's Absence, Neymar Ready for Scotland Clash

Raphinha to Miss Key Match Against Scotland

Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Brazil, has announced that Barcelona's Raphinha will not participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Scotland on Wednesday (local time). He also confirmed that Neymar is fit and ready to play the entire match if necessary.

Injury Update on Raphinha

Raphinha sustained an injury during Brazil's 4-0 victory over Haiti, leaving the field in the 40th minute. Despite this setback, he remains hopeful about his recovery, sharing on Instagram his commitment to return as soon as possible.

Focus on Strong Lineup

During a press conference on Tuesday, Ancelotti emphasized the team's goal of assembling the strongest lineup for this crucial match. He stated, "Our focus is solely on delivering a strong performance with the best players available; this applies to our forwards as well." He also mentioned that they have a clear plan for Raphinha's replacement and are not concerned about potential yellow cards.

Neymar Fully Fit for Selection

Neymar, who missed Brazil's first two matches due to a calf injury, is now fully fit, according to Ancelotti. "He has trained excellently this week and is ready to play. We are thrilled to have him back, as he is a player of exceptional quality," Ancelotti remarked.

He added that Neymar could either play the full 90 minutes or come off the bench, depending on the match situation. "He can start from half-time or play the entire match. His condition is excellent, and he has shown great dedication in training. We are eager to see him back on the field. His experience and knowledge are invaluable to the team."