Manchester United-linked Ederson earns Brazil World Cup call-up after Wesley injury

Brazil have called up Atalanta midfielder Ederson to replace injured defender Wesley in their World Cup squad, with the late change offering Carlo Ancelotti an additional midfield option ahead of the tournament.

In Short

• Wesley suffered the injury during Brazil's 2-1 friendly victory over Egypt
• MRI results revealed damage to the adductor muscle in Wesley's left thigh
• Ederson will join the Brazil squad in the United States on Monday

Brazil have called up Atalanta midfielder Ederson to their World Cup squad after right-back Wesley was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, handing the Manchester United-linked midfielder a late opportunity to feature on football’s biggest stage.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that Wesley would miss the World Cup after sustaining an injury during Brazil's 2-1 friendly victory over Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday.

An MRI scan revealed damage to the adductor muscle in the 22-year-old defender's left thigh, forcing Carlo Ancelotti into a squad reshuffle just days before Brazil begin their World Cup campaign in the United States.

"The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh," the CBF said in a statement.

"The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title."

Ederson, who has made three appearances for Brazil, will join the squad in the United States on Monday. The 26-year-old's call-up comes amid reports that Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign the Atalanta midfielder for a fixed fee of €40.5 million, with a further €4.5 million in add-ons.

While Wesley's withdrawal leaves Brazil short of specialist options at right-back, Ederson's inclusion strengthens a midfield unit that appeared light in Ancelotti's original 26-man squad. Before the change, Brazil had only five natural midfielders — Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo, Fabinho and Lucas Paqueta — alongside nine defenders and nine attacking players.

The injury also presents a tactical challenge for Ancelotti. Wesley was the only specialist right-back in the squad, leaving Flamengo's Danilo and Al Ahli defender Roger Ibanez as the leading alternatives on the flank.

Ederson's arrival, however, gives Brazil greater flexibility in midfield. Although Ancelotti's preferred system remains a 4-2-4 formation, there has been growing support within Brazil for a three-man midfield against stronger opponents, a setup that the Atalanta midfielder is well-equipped to fit into.

Five-time world champions Brazil begin their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 before taking on Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24 as they chase a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

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