Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta suffered a muscle injury to the back of his left thigh during Monday’s 2-1 World Cup round of 32 win over Japan, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Tuesday.
Paqueta left the match at half-time after picking up the injury. Brazil sent on Endrick for the second half and went on to secure victory.
The CBF confirmed the extent of the injury after medical scans.
“Paqueta underwent scans on Tuesday that confirmed a muscle injury to the back of his left thigh,” the CBF said in a statement.
“The player will undergo an intensive treatment programme under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff, with the aim of recovering and returning to action as soon as possible.”
The CBF did not give a timetable for Paqueta’s recovery. His availability remains uncertain ahead of Brazil’s round of 16 match on Sunday in New Jersey.
Brazil will meet the winner of the World Cup round of 32 tie between Ivory Coast and Norway as they bid to reach the quarter-finals.
