BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey - Five-time champions Brazil enter their World Cup campaign with significant uncertainty surrounding their backline. The team’s opening match against Morocco on Saturday looms, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti lacks clarity on how to resolve pressing defensive issues.
The primary complication is the absence of first-choice right-back Wesley. He was ruled out after sustaining a thigh muscle injury during last Saturday’s friendly against Egypt. For a squad historically defined by attacking flair, defensive stability has become the central narrative.
Potential replacements Roger Ibanez and Danilo have not featured regularly in that specific position recently. Both currently operate more effectively as central defenders or full-backs in varied roles. Ibanez, playing for Saudi side Al-Ahli, remained tight-lipped about tactical decisions during Tuesday’s press conference at the team’s hotel.
"We are working hard to get to the game in the strongest shape possible," Ibanez stated. When pressed on his expected starting role, he declined to speculate, noting that Ancelotti had not yet held specific conversations regarding the final lineup.
Ibanez highlighted a stylistic shift if he replaces Wesley, noting his own defensive orientation contrasts with Wesley’s greater attacking threat down the flank. Notably, Ancelotti chose not to call up a specialist right-back, instead opting to bring in Atalanta midfielder Ederson. This suggests the coach may deploy a midfielder in a defensive capacity, leaving Brazil’s tactical setup wide open until kickoff.
The decision underscores the fluidity of Ancelotti’s approach. With no specialist backup available, the manager must adapt mid-tournament. Whether this flexibility pays off or leads to vulnerability remains the key question as Brazil prepares for the global stage.