“Neymar could return? Rodrygo’s injury forces Ancelotti to rethink Brazil.”

The Brazilian national football team faces a severe blow with the serious injury of Rodrygo, one of its key pillars. The forward from Real Madrid suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will have a recovery time ranging from six months to a year, officially excluding him from the upcoming World Cup. Rodrygo’s absence, who is the top scorer for the Brazilian team in the current qualification phase with eight goals, puts Carlo Ancelotti in a difficult position.

Since his return in October, after the match against South Korea, Rodrygo had been a starter in three of the following four games. His versatility, playing on the left side in a 4-2-4 system but with the freedom to move inward and enter the area, was one of the main assets for the Italian coach. With his departure, Neymar’s name comes back into focus, as the Santos striker shares similar characteristics with Rodrygo. However, Ancelotti was clear: Neymar needs to demonstrate that he is in ideal physical condition. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on the meniscus of his left knee in December, Neymar only returned to competition on February 15. Since then, he has participated in three matches for Santos, failed to prevent his team’s elimination in the Paulistão, but stood out by scoring two goals in the victory over Vasco in the Brasileirão.

In addition to considering Neymar, Rodrygo’s injury could alter the final composition of the squad. According to O Globo, Ancelotti may choose to call up an additional midfielder or a new forward, rather than seeking a player with identical characteristics. The first indications of the Italian coach’s strategy will be revealed with the announcement of the squad on March 16, ahead of the friendlies against France and Croatia.

Rodrygo’s absence opens up a range of possibilities for Brazil’s attacking structure and directly impacts other key names in the national team. Gabriel Martinelli, for example, seems to have secured his place on the World Cup roster, especially after his performances as a left winger in the victories over Paraguay and Chile in the qualifiers. However, Martinelli presents a different profile, being a more traditional winger and less versatile, which may require adjustments from the team.

Raphinha, a player for Barcelona, emerges as a less drastic tactical alternative. Used to playing on the left, he also has the ability to operate on both flanks or even in the center. Interestingly, he and Rodrygo have yet to play together under Ancelotti due to injuries.

Another possibility that may be considered is moving Vinícius Júnior to the left flank. However, this change would take the number 7 out of the position where he has shone most under Ancelotti, playing more centrally, close to defenders, with the freedom to move out to the flanks.

With so many variables at play, the anticipation surrounding the call-up and formation of the Brazilian attack is palpable. The pressure on Ancelotti is mounting as fans eagerly await a solution that maintains the strength of the national team in the quest for the long-desired world triumph.