Lucas Paquetá injury sidelines Brazil for World Cup round of 16
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that midfielder Lucas Paquetá suffered a muscular injury to the posterior left thigh during Brazil’s 2‑1 win over Japan. A medical scan verified the lesion and the CBF announced that Paquetá will follow an intensive treatment protocol, but gave no timeline for his return. The injury means he will miss Brazil’s upcoming round‑of‑16 match against the winner of the Norway‑Ivory Coast tie. Paquetá had started every match at the tournament and recorded an assist, making him a key component of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield. In his absence the coach may turn to options such as Danilo Santos, Gabriel Martinelli, Fabinho or even Neymar, while Endrick was already used as a substitute in the Japan game. The CBF’s statement read: “O atleta Lucas Paquetá passou, nesta terça‑feira, por exame de imagem que confirmou lesão muscular na região posterior da coxa esquerda. O jogador seguirá um protocolo de tratamento intensivo, acompanhado pela equipe médica da Seleção Brasileira.”