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๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ Ghana /Sports

Brazil defender Wesley's World Cup hopes hang in balance after injury

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Brazil's World Cup preparations are overshadowed by a groin injury to defender Wesley during a friendly match against Egypt.
  • Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed hope for Wesley's recovery but acknowledged the need for a replacement if he cannot participate.
  • Brazil secured a 2-1 victory over Egypt, with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick, but the team's performance and Wesley's injury remain key talking points.

Brazil's World Cup campaign faces an anxious wait as defender Wesley undergoes a fitness test to determine the severity of a groin injury sustained during a pre-tournament friendly. The 22-year-old Roma player left the field in tears during Brazil's 2-1 victory over Egypt, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming tournament.

Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Wesley would undergo tests, stating, "He has tests tomorrow; he has a muscle problem and we have to wait for tomorrowโ€™s diagnosis." While Ancelotti expressed optimism, "I think heโ€™ll have time to recover and be with us at this World Cup," he conceded, "If not, weโ€™ll have to choose someone else. We have time to do that."

He has tests tomorrow; he has a muscle problem and we have to wait for tomorrowโ€™s diagnosis. I think heโ€™ll have time to recover and be with us at this World Cup. If not, weโ€™ll have to choose someone else. We have time to do that.

โ€” Carlo AncelottiBrazil's head coach commenting on Wesley's injury and potential absence from the World Cup.

The match against Egypt, held at the Cleveland Browns' home stadium, saw Brazil take an early lead through Bruno Guimaraes. However, Egypt quickly equalized due to a defensive error. After a halftime with eight substitutions, 19-year-old Endrick scored the winning goal for Brazil.

Ancelotti was satisfied with the team's performance, noting their intensity, rhythm, and organization. "This game gave me much more certainty for the debut against Morocco," he said. Brazil is set to begin their Group C campaign against Morocco on Saturday, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.

I think the team played well, played with intensity, with rhythm, with good organisation, a lot of intensity in the pressing. This game gave me much more certainty for the debut against Morocco. Weโ€™ve reached this final week and I think the team is on the right track.

โ€” Carlo AncelottiThe coach reflecting on the team's performance in the friendly match against Egypt.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.