Brazil defender Wesley's World Cup hopes hang in balance after injury
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- 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 tomorrowโs diagnosis." While Ancelotti expressed optimism, "I think heโll have time to recover and be with us at this World Cup," he conceded, "If not, weโll 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 tomorrowโs diagnosis. I think heโll have time to recover and be with us at this World Cup. If not, weโll have to choose someone else. We have time to do that.
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. Weโve reached this final week and I think the team is on the right track.
Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.