Top News

Brazil’s World Cup preparations have taken a worrying turn after Roma full-back Wesley suffered an injury scare during their 2-1 friendly win over Egypt. The young defender had to be substituted early, leaving the pitch visibly emotional, raising concerns for manager Carlo Ancelotti just days before the tournament begins.

Disappointment in Cleveland

In Brazil’s final warm-up before heading to the World Cup, the team’s defensive stability came under scrutiny once again. Wesley, who has become a regular under Ancelotti, lasted only 15 minutes in the match held in Cleveland before he pulled up abruptly during a sprint. The right-back clutched his left groin and fell to the ground, immediately signalling distress.

The sight of the former Flamengo player struggling to walk off the pitch was distressing for supporters. Medical staff and teammates rushed to his aid, and he was eventually seen crying behind a towel on the bench. He later left the stadium on crutches, with his left thigh heavily bandaged.

Ancelotti’s concern grows

Following the 2-1 victory, Carlo Ancelotti spoke candidly about his concerns. The Italian coach underlined Wesley’s importance in his tactical setup, particularly after his impressive performances in Serie A. He also mentioned that the next 24 hours would be crucial in determining whether the full-back can continue with the squad or must be replaced.

“He needs to undergo some tests. He has a muscle problem, and we have to wait for the diagnosis tomorrow. I believe he’ll have time to recover and be with us at the World Cup. Otherwise, we’ll have to select another player, and we’ll still have time to do that. It’s urgent, it worries us,” Ancelotti told reporters.

He added, “He’s a key player who performs at his best with great power. He has improved a lot in areas where he needed work, like attacking and marking, since moving to Italy. I hope it’s nothing serious, that he gets the treatment he needs, and stays with us for this journey. But yes, there’s urgency and concern; if it turns out to be serious, it would be a big loss.”

Awaiting the medical outcome

Wesley’s injury comes at a cruel time, considering how he earned his national team place through consistent performances in Italy. The medical team is working tirelessly at Brazil’s base in New Jersey to determine how severe the injury is and whether recovery in time for the tournament is possible.

Initial internal reports hint at a possible muscle lesion, though confirmation will depend on MRI results. In the best-case scenario, Wesley could miss the first two group matches but return for the knockout stage. However, there is growing concern that the injury could force Brazil to make a replacement before FIFA’s official deadline.

CBF urges patience

Amid the uncertainty, Brazil’s national team director Rodrigo Caetano has called for patience before making any squad decisions. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is expected to issue an official statement once the medical evaluations are complete. With just a week left before their World Cup opener, the pressure on the coaching staff is mounting.

Caetano told the media, “It’s too early to make any diagnosis. We’ll wait for the test results and then release an official update. We’re hopeful that it’s not serious and that he can remain with us. The tournament starts in a week, and everyone is anxious, but we must stay calm.”