Brazil’s 3-0 victory against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday came at a cost that reshapes their Group C finale. In the 40th minute, Raphinha crouched on the turf, spoke with medical staff, and walked off with his head bowed, consoled by Vinícius Júnior and Alisson. Subsequent imaging confirmed a muscle injury in the posterior right thigh — a recurrence of a biceps femoris problem that has troubled the Barcelona winger three times this season. The Brazilian federation announced an intensive treatment protocol but ruled him out of Wednesday’s meeting with Scotland in Miami.

The absence strips Ancelotti of the one player who had been carrying the attacking burden on a right flank hollowed out by injuries. Éder Militão, Estêvão, Rodrygo and Wesley were all lost before the tournament, leaving full-backs Danilo and Ibañez — both centre-backs by trade — with limited offensive thrust. Raphinha’s speed and finishing, backed by 21 goals and eight assists for Barcelona this season, had become the primary outlet on that side, while the left, with Douglas Santos and Vinícius, functioned as the main axis. Brazilian media report that Ancelotti will test three young replacements in training: Rayan, who came on against Haiti and offers physical presence; Luiz Henrique, a regular under the Italian; and Endrick, the fans’ favourite, who has played wide for Lyon and Real Madrid but was used centrally in his cameo.

Neymar’s trajectory offers a counter-narrative. Called up despite a grade-two calf injury sustained on 17 May, the number 10 completed his first full session with the squad on Sunday and is expected to be available, likely from the bench, against Scotland. Ancelotti has indicated he may deploy Neymar as a false nine, centralised ahead of a midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá, with Vinícius on one wing and a contest between Luiz Henrique and Matheus Cunha on the other. This would mark a sharp departure from the deeper playmaking role Neymar occupied under Tite in 2022. If he does not feature, he will record the lowest participation rate of any Brazil number 10 at World Cups since 1954, with just 13 of 20 possible matches.

Off the pitch, a separate storm gathered around Raphinha. The former Brazil international Vampeta claimed on a podcast that the forward is facing serious family and financial difficulties and is “praying” for a move to Al-Hilal. The remarks, which Vampeta described as unverified rumour, were swiftly denounced as lies by Raphinha’s cousin Igor Padilha and his wife Natalia Belloli. European outlets note that Barcelona have just signed Anthony Gordon for €70 million in the same position, but Raphinha remains under contract until 2028 and has repeatedly stated his desire to stay. Saudi interest, however, persists, with reports suggesting Al-Hilal would offer more than €100 million.

Brazil lead Group C with four points and are virtually assured of a place in the round of 32. The Scotland match will test a reshaped attack and offer the first glimpse of Neymar in this tournament, while the right side must be rebuilt once again. Alisson sat out Monday’s training for load management but is expected to start. The outcome will determine whether Brazil enter the knockout phase with momentum or with questions still swirling around their most influential players.