Rodrigo's severe injury rules him out of the World Cup; who will Ancelotti choose as his replacement?

Written by Han Bing For Ancelotti, Rodrigo's serious injury has disrupted all arrangements. The Italian veteran coach, leading a World Cup team for the first time, is confronted with a "painful worry."

At the end of March, the Brazilian team will play two warm-up matches in the United States: against France at Foxborough on March 26, and against Croatia in Orlando on March 31. Following Rodrigo's injury, choosing his substitute will be the most critical task for Ancelotti in assessing undetermined candidates. On March 16 local time, Ancelotti will announce the Brazilian squad for the March international matches. Candidates to replace Rodrigo include Neymar, Endrick, Martinelli, Roque, and even Antony. Ancelotti has allowed the players to compete fairly, making the ten days before the list announcement crucial.

As early as February, Ancelotti indicated that the 26-man World Cup squad was nearly finalized. The Seleção boasts abundant attacking talent, but Rodrigo's absence not only forces Ancelotti to reevaluate replacement options but may also necessitate tactical and formation adjustments. During the USA-Mexico-Canada World Cup cycle, Rodrigo scored 8 goals for Brazil and wore the number 10 jersey in Neymar's absence. He has been more effective starting as a left winger (playing left wing in 3 of the last 4 matches) but has also played on the right wing and as an attacking midfielder, making him a versatile forward highly valued by Ancelotti.

In the last four friendly matches, Ancelotti experimented with a 4-2-4 formation, showing a preference for a two-striker and two-winger setup. With Rodrigo injured, competition for attacking positions has intensified. Brazilian media has been fervently discussing Neymar, as his experience, skill, and versatility remain highly competitive provided he is fit. Ancelotti has been closely monitoring Neymar's recovery and still holds expectations for him. Having recovered from a knee injury in mid-February, Neymar impressed by scoring twice for Santos against Vasco da Gama on February 26.

Unfortunately, Neymar's luck turned when Santos was unexpectedly defeated by Nova Odessa in the São Paulo State Championship quarterfinals on February 22. This result meant Neymar missed the state semifinal on February 28 and the final on March 4. Before Ancelotti announces the squad on March 16, Neymar has only two Brazilian Série A matches to prove his form. The most critical games are the away match against Mirassol on March 11 and the home game against powerhouse Corinthians on March 15. Following Rodrigo's injury, Neymar promptly offered condolences on social media, winning support from media and fans. However, to gain Ancelotti's approval, Neymar needs to deliver goals or assists in the upcoming two Série A matches.

Aside from Neymar, Arsenal's Martinelli is highly favored by Ancelotti. Since last June, he has missed only the November international window due to a groin injury for the Brazilian team, and he scored a goal against Japan in October last year. However, his performance at Arsenal this season has been inconsistent, with 6 goals and 1 assist in 7 Champions League matches, but only 1 goal and 2 assists in 24 Premier League appearances. Since the Champions League match against Almaty on January 28, he has managed only 2 assists in the last 8 matches against Premier League opponents, and has recorded zero goals and assists in the last 5 Premier League games. Martinelli is considered the frontrunner to replace Rodrigo, but his current form is a concern.

Compared to Martinelli, other contenders are in excellent recent form. In Wednesday's 4-1 Chelsea victory over Aston Villa, João Pedro contributed to all goals with 3 goals and 1 assist, boasting 10 goals and 5 assists in his last 11 matches, making him a rising competitor. Endrick, loaned from Real Madrid to Lyon in the winter window, has 5 goals and 4 assists in 9 matches, including two assists in last Sunday's away match against Marseille. Palmeiras' Roque has 5 goals and 1 assist in his last 10 matches, helping Palmeiras reach the São Paulo State Championship final. Betis' Antony has 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 7 matches, scoring the opener in last weekend's Seville derby.

Tottenham's Richarlison ended a six-match goal drought last weekend. Brentford forward Igor Thiago has an impressive record of 18 goals and 1 assist in 29 Premier League matches, but his form has dipped with only 2 goals in the last 8 Premier League games. Zenit Saint Petersburg winger Luís Henrique was called up to the Brazilian squad in October and November last year, and the recovered Gabriel Jesus has also re-entered consideration. However, Vinícius Jr., Matheus Cunha, Estevão, and Raphinha already occupy four attacking spots for the World Cup. The biggest current suspense in Brazil is how Ancelotti will choose the remaining personnel for the one spot opened up by Rodrigo's serious injury.