With less than a week to go before their World Cup opener against Morocco, the Brazilian national team has had to make an emergency change to its roster. Right back Wesley has been officially ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, and his spot will be filled by Manchester United-bound midfielder Éderson.
Wesley’s sudden exit
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that Wesley suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh. The defender had to leave the field early during Saturday night’s friendly match against Egypt in Cleveland. Medical imaging tests revealed that the injury is severe enough to rule him out of the World Cup.
“Wesley is a player who is very dear to the group and will always be considered part of this team seeking its sixth World Cup title,” the Brazilian Confederation stated in an official release.
Éderson to the rescue and the question mark over Neymar
With this setback, Éderson, 26, will pack his bags to join Brazil’s training camp in the United States and complete the 26-man roster. Brazil will make its World Cup debut in the group stage this Saturday, June 13, at Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
However, the headaches for the coaching staff don’t end there. Medical attention remains focused on 34-year-old star Neymar, who did not make the trip to Cleveland with the rest of the squad. The forward continues to train separately due to a calf injury, keeping Brazilian fans on edge just days before the ball starts rolling.
