Raphinha's 'sad' absence could open door for Neymar against Scotland

Raphinha could be relaced with Neymar (centre) [Getty Images]

Brazil's squad have been left saddened by an injury to Barcelona forward Raphinha but are ready to welcome back fit-again legend Neymar in his place, according to midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Neymar did not feature in their opening group games against Morocco and Haiti, but with Raphinha ruled out with a hamstring injury, the 34-year-old Santos forward could make his first appearance for his country since October 2023 against Scotland.

"We're all very happy to see him training and back on the pitch with us," former West Ham United midfielder Paqueta said.

"Neymar is a very important player for the Brazilian national team. He has an extraordinary history with this shirt and he can still help us a lot.

"We hope he'll be available as soon as possible to contribute to the team."

Raphinha's season with Barcelona was regularly impacted by problems with his right hamstring and he has missed a total of 24 matches for club and country since the campaign began.

A starter in both of Brazil's games so far, he was replaced with young Bournemouth forward Rayan when he came off late in the opening half against the Haitians.

Brazil say Raphinha will undergo "intensive treatment" with the aim of being back in time for a possible game in the last 16 in early July.

"We are all sad, especially Rafa, because of the little setback with this injury, but he can count on all of us for support," Flamengo midfielder Paqueta said.

"We all know his characteristics, his qualities, his pace, his ability to create space and his finishing ability, so I think we are losing a very important player."