Soccer
Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup for Brazil, with Ederson called up in his place.
The defender has been a key fixture in Carlo Ancelotti’s side since the Italian took over, but he suffered a muscle injury in their 2-1 friendly win over Egypt on Saturday.
Wesley was forced off in the 17th minute and left the stadium on crutches, having been seen crying on the bench after he was helped off the pitch by the medical team.
Ancelotti conceded after the game that Brazil were worried about the serious-looking injury, with further tests on Sunday confirming the Roma full-back will not be available for the World Cup.
“The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a beloved player within the group and will always be considered part of this team that is seeking its sixth world championship,” the CBF said in a statement.
In a social media post, Wesley said: “Not every battle is won on the field.
“I have to interrupt a dream because of an injury. It hurts not being able to wear the Brazilian national team shirt right now, but those who know my story know that giving up was never an option.
“I have come a long way. I’ve been through hardships, faced challenges, and had to overcome many obstacles just to get here. Nothing has been given to me. Every achievement is built with hard work, faith, sacrifice and a lot of resilience.
“So, I face this moment in the same way I faced everyone else: with my head held high, with trust in God, and the certainty that I will come back even stronger.
“The fall is part of the journey. Getting up has always been my greatest strength.”
As such, Ancelotti has called up a midfielder as his replacement, with Ederson, who has reportedly agreed a deal to move to Manchester United, set to join the squad on Monday.
Ederson has previously made three appearances for Brazil, but none in 2026 so far, with his last cap coming in March 2025.
The Selecao begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, with Haiti and Scotland also to follow in Group C.
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