Ready to play against Norway? Ancelotti shares Rafinha's current condition
The Brazil national team has received a boost ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash with Norway. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Barcelona winger Raphinha is close to returning to action after injury and could feature in the upcoming match.
The 29-year-old started the tournament as a first-choice player. He played the full match against Morocco, but during the encounter with Haiti, he was forced off in the 40th minute due to a hamstring injury.
Subsequent medical tests confirmed a hamstring tendon injury, which sidelined Raphinha for Brazil’s last two matches—against Scotland and Japan.
Raphinha is feeling very well and has made noticeable progress in his recovery. He’s not quite at 100 percent yet, but he’ll be included in the squad and could get some minutes on the pitch. He’s recovered very quickly, and we’re happy to have him back because he’s an important player for our team," Ancelotti emphasized.
The showdown between Brazil and Norway is set for Sunday, July 5. The winner will advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they’ll take on the strongest side from the England vs Mexico tie.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
