Danilo, Endrick or Neymar? Ancelotti weighs midfield solutions after Paqueta injury

Carlo Ancelotti must reshuffle Brazil's midfield after Lucas Paqueta suffered a thigh injury during the first half of the Round of 32 win over Japan, leaving the coach with several tactical options before Sunday’s last 16 clash against Norway.

For the first time since taking over the Brazil side, Ancelotti had repeated the same XI for consecutive matches against Japan.

But he won’t be able to do so against Norway after Paqueta picked up an injury and was forced off in the 45th minute in Houston.

Brazil will resume training on Thursday before the Italian coach finalises his selection.

The available candidates are Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Ederson, Neymar, Endrick and Gabriel Martinelli, with each option offering a different tactical approach.

Danilo Santos

Danilo Santos is the leading candidate to replace Paqueta if Brazil retain their current 4-3-3 system, as per Brazilian outlet Globo.

The Botafogo midfielder operates in the same area as Paqueta, is also left-footed and previously trained alongside Bruno Guimaraes before the Scotland match, said Globo. He is viewed as the most natural replacement.

Fabinho

Fabinho offers the possibility of a more defensive midfield while preserving the 4-3-3 formation.

He would join Casemiro and Guimaraes in midfield, providing greater protection in front of the defence but leaving Bruno with increased creative responsibility.

Ederson

Ederson is another option if Ancelotti chooses to strengthen the midfield with two holding players.

Like Fabinho, his inclusion would keep Brazil in a 4-3-3 while adding more physicality and defensive stability in central areas.

Endrick

Endrick replaced Paqueta at halftime against Japan after the midfielder's injury.

His introduction shifted Brazil's attacking structure, with the young forward playing as the central striker while Matheus Cunha dropped deeper, creating a system that alternated between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-4.

After the match, Ancelotti acknowledged the possibility of using that setup again, although, according to Globo, reports from within the camp suggested it was not the preferred solution.

Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli represents the clearest route to a permanent 4-2-4 formation.

The winger can play through the middle or on the left, allowing Vinicius Junior to move closer to Cunha. Brazil previously used that approach in the victory over Paraguay that secured World Cup qualification.

Neymar

Neymar could also feature as an attacking midfielder alongside Bruno Guimaraes.

However, Brazil's coaching staff considers that option unlikely, believing he is not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes. He has instead been prepared to make an impact from the bench during the second half.

Ancelotti and his staff will assess all six alternatives during training before selecting the lineup for Sunday's World Cup Round of 16 meeting with Norway at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.