Wesley Franca Injured as Brazil Lose Right-Back
Brazil have suffered an injury blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup as Wesley Franca was forced off in their 2-1 friendly win over Egypt.
Brazil opened the match strongly when Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle robbed Mohanad Lasheen in midfield and scored after eight minutes. Egypt equalised when Mostafa Ziko pounced on a Marquinhos back‑pass that reached Alisson.
Wesley Franca pulled up on the right flank, signalled to be replaced and was seen in tears with a towel over his head before limping heavily out of the stadium.
Nico Schlotterbeck addresses Real Madrid rumors ahead of World Cup
Coach Carlo Ancelotti named former Manchester City full‑back Danilo as the likely deputy and noted that Vasco de Gama midfielder Paulo Henrique is a potential call‑up. Ancelotti said they will wait for tests and have good players to replace him. Ancelotti added: "First of all, it’s a shame to lose Wesley. We have to wait for the tests now. But we have good players to replace him. I have decided the starting line‑up to play against Morocco. I came away from this game with more certainty than doubts. It was a very good game for us." Endrick sealed the 2-1 win for Brazil; the 19‑year‑old Real Madrid wonderkid had been on loan at Lyon, where he made 18 appearances, scored five goals and provided seven assists. Other injuries include Argentina’s Leonardo Balerdi, who was sent home with a muscle injury, Paraguay’s Julio Enciso, who was stretchered off in a warm‑up win over Nicaragua, and Germany’s Bayern Munich prospect Lennart Karl, who withdrew after a training injury. Ancelotti also expressed concern over the form of forwards Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Rayan and Matheus Cunha.