Scotland manager warns of the threat posed by Neymar, who is set to replace injured Raphinha

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has several options to replace the injured Raphinha. He has confirmed that Neymar will be available to face Scotland and has reportedly decided where the legendary former Barcelona and PSG star will slot in once he is finally given his 2026 World Cup debut.

Brazil are preparing to take on Scotland in their final group stage fixture at the 2026 World Cup at 23.00 BST on Wednesday evening. Ancelotti and his players currently sit at the top of the group with four points after two matches and are aiming to finish the evening in first place in Group C.

After a slow start in their 1-1 draw with 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, Brazil showed signs of encouragement during their 3-0 victory against Haiti last week; however, an injury to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who will not be fit enough to feature against Scotland, means that Ancelotti is forced into at least one personnel change.

According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, 19-year-old Bournemouth talent Rayan is the favourite to start on the right wing for Brazil on Wednesday night, but there are still several other options under consideration, including Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick.

In more encouraging news for the Selecao, Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is finally ready to feature at the World Cup, having missed the opening two matches through injury.

However, Wednesday’s reports claim that once Neymar does appear for Brazil at the World Cup, it will be in a false nine role, which La Gazzetta dello Sport describes as ‘the only role where he can offer a genuine difference in his current condition’.

Meanwhile, Steve Clarke believes Scotland must be prepared for the threat provided by the “icon” Neymar in Miami on Wednesday.

“His qualities are without question,” Scotland’s manager said. “He’s one of the superstars of the modern era. We can expect a very dangerous opponent, but I could go on about Brazil and so many dangerous opponents. Neymar is just one of them; even coming from the bench, he would give them a lift because he is such an icon.

“Brazil have shown in the matches so far in this tournament that they are a big threat. I am sure they expect to be, at a minimum, the last four of the competition.”

The Scotland captain, Andy Robertson, who has faced Neymar at club level, insisted he had no preference over whether the man capped 128 times starts. “It’s not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinícius Júnior, Endrick or [Gabriel] Martinelli,” Robertson said. “I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality.

“Even when you look at the players they’ve left at home. It’s up to Carlo Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare the best we can, but they have quality in every position. That’s what we’re up against, one of the best teams in the world.”