Ancelotti Welcomes Raphinha Back Ahead Of Brazil’s Knockout Test

The Selacáo suffered a major blow during the round of 32, as Lucas Paqueta was subbed off after he picked up an injury in the game against Japan.

Raphinha returned to training on Friday after being out for two weeks with hamstring, an injury sustained during Brazil's group-stage win over Haiti.

The possibility of a start is unlikely, though head coach Ancelotti is certain Raphinha could feature from the bench against Norway.

"He recovered very well and very quickly. We are very happy with this because Raphinha is a very, very important player for the team." Said Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian said the 29 year old is not 100% fit to start, but would make the bench for a possible substitute at any time into the match.

The absence of Lucas Paqueta would leave The coach shuffling his midfield for a balance that could contain the Norwegian Odergaard led midfield.

"We don't have a player in the squad with Lucas Paqueta's quality, so we have to replace him with another player," said Ancelotti, emphasising on individual excellence of each player.

"I will choose the player based on our game plan, obviously taking into account the strength of the opponent, but also what is functional to the idea we want to implement…”

Brazil has had a major boost, as Raphinha’s return, adds up experience in attack, alongside Neymar who is fit to start in the round of 16, haven not started in any game earlier.

Norway pose ⁠a formidable threat through talisman Erling Haaland, whose agility, pace and power has made one of the tournament's most feared forwards, he’s found the back of the net on five occasions in the tournament, just behind Messi and Mbappe who are joint leaders on seven.

"Everyone knows Haaland," Ancelotti said. "I don't have to explain to my defenders how Haaland plays. They know him better than I do because they have played against him many times.”

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has said the real task the team is charged with, would be to cut every service that could connect to Haaland, as that would get the Samba boys the desired result to progress into the quarter finals.

"We have to try to prevent the ball from reaching him," Guimaraes said. "We will be attacking, but there always has to be someone glued to him so we don't give him space, because we know that with just one ball he ⁠can decide a match."

Carlo Ancelotti is quite aware of the concerns that comes with knockout stages of a tournament, but has as well expressed his confidence ahead of the crucial game of the tournament.