Five-time champions Brazil's preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup suffered a significant setback on Sunday when right-back Wesley was officially ruled out of the tournament due to a left thigh muscle injury. The injury leaves coach Carlo Ancelotti with severely limited coverage on that flank just six days before the Selecao's Group C opener against Morocco.
Injury Details
The AS Roma defender sustained the injury during Brazil's friendly against Egypt on Saturday night in Cleveland, which was their final preparatory match before the World Cup. Wesley was forced to leave the pitch in the 15th minute after picking up a knock, and his visible distress as he exited in tears indicated the severity of the issue. Subsequent medical assessments confirmed that the damage was serious enough to end his World Cup campaign before it began.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) later released an official statement expressing regret over the injury. "The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the team and will always be considered an integral part of this squad as it aims for its sixth World Cup title," the statement read.
Defensive Crisis Deepens
The 26-year-old had been the preferred option on the right flank after Vanderson, Brazil's other specialist right-back, was also sidelined by injury ahead of the squad announcement. With both players now unavailable, Ancelotti has called up Atalanta midfielder Ederson, 26, as an injury replacement. This move has raised immediate tactical eyebrows, as Ederson is not a defender and has spent his entire career exclusively in midfield.
Brazil's defensive options at right-back are now alarmingly thin. The squad includes the experienced Danilo, a veteran full-back who can operate on the right, and St. Petersburg left-back Douglas Santos, who can fill in as an emergency option. However, neither is considered a natural first-choice right-back like Wesley or Vanderson. Ancelotti's decision to bring in a midfielder rather than a defensive cover suggests he may be rethinking the tactical setup entirely and could switch to a different game plan.
Tactical Options for Ancelotti
With no true right-back remaining, Ancelotti faces a tactical dilemma ahead of the Morocco match in New Jersey on June 13. Here are the most credible routes available to him:
Danilo as a Makeshift Right-Back
The Flamengo veteran could slide into the right-back position in a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, a formation often used by Ancelotti. Danilo provides reliable experience but offers a limited attacking threat. At 33, he lacks the pace of Wesley but could be a good fit for more defensive solidity.
Three-Man Defence
Ancelotti could shift to a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation, converting Danilo or Douglas Santos into a right wingback, which would provide greater freedom in attack. With centre-backs like Gabriel and Marquinhos available, the veteran manager could opt for a three-at-the-back system to compensate for the lack of a specialist right-back.
Neymar's Injury Concerns
Adding to Ancelotti's headaches is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Neymar. The 34-year-old forward, who was included in the squad after a remarkable two-and-a-half-year absence, did not travel to Cleveland with the rest of the group for the Egypt friendly. A calf injury has kept him sidelined, and his participation in the tournament opener remains in doubt.
Brazil open their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti and Scotland later in the tournament.
