Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has provided an update on the fitness of Raphinha, who was forced off through injury against Haiti, and Neymar after the Selecao romped to a 3-0 victory in Philadelphia.
Raphinha is a big injury worry for Brazil after coming off against Haiti. Ancelotti has confirmed Brazil will carry out tests on Raphinha at their New Jersey training base on Saturday after the Barcelona winger was forced off through injury. Raphinha had a goal chalked off before he went to ground with hamstring tightness and Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar appeared to be concerned after carrying out initial on-field checks. The 29-year-old was withdrawn and replaced by Bournemouth's Rayan. Ancelotti said: "Raphinha will be evaluated tomorrow, right now we don't know what happened. I put Rayan in because he showed good quality, he has a different profile from Raphinha, probably, it's small details that determine the entry of one player or another. It's all about small details."
Brazil attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta is concerned following the blow, adding: "I think we're all worried. We hope it's nothing serious. I still don't know anything, he still has to have an exam."
There was positive news for Brazil, however, as Neymar is finally on the comeback trail following a calf injury sustained before the tournament. Ancelotti has now confirmed the Selecao icon will be fit in time to face Scotland in Brazil's Group C decider, explaining: "Yes, Neymar will train individually tomorrow. On Monday he will be with the team and then he will be ready for the game against Scotland."
A brace from Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha plus a third goal from man of the match Vinicius Jr blew the cobwebs away for Ancelotti's side, who laboured to a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match. Brazil are now in a straight shootout with the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists for top spot, which will be decided by goal difference, provided both teams win their third match.
Ancelotti said of his side's performance while defending his team selection: "The team that goes onto the field is the one I think can play to win the game. We'll see about the results of the other teams only after the game. We'll see if we can finish second, first, or third. All games are difficult. What we at the CBF believe is that we can compete with all teams. Haiti included, and France included."
"It was what I expected, to improve the quality, make fewer mistakes, have more control at the back, defensively it was a good game. We improved, we will improve in the next game. We have to take advantage of this group stage to start the knockout stage well."
