Endrick, Raphinha, Neymar... Ancelotti's options to replace Rodrygo

Rodrygo Goes has said goodbye to the season . The winger has broken the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of the knee and will miss the World Cup . A blow for the player who returned to the field, after a month, against Getafe and will now be out for around ten to twelve months. While the situation at Real Madrid is worrying, who will replace him in Brazil?

When he has been available, Rodrygo has been in Carlo Ancelotti's squad and now the Italian will have to play the top competition at national team level without one of his best attacking assets. In the four matches he has played, he has scored two goals and provided an assist, but his contribution on the pitch goes beyond statistics, taking into account the dribbling and versatility he offers in attacking areas.

With Ancelotti's Brazil, Rodrygo has mainly played on the right flank , but he can also play on the left side , as a playmaker and even in the forward position. His special connection with Vinicius , which makes them exchange positions on the pitch, was one of the main assets that the Canarinha had for the tournament.

The absence of the first player to inherit Neymar's No.10 shirt will have to be well covered if the five-time champions are to increase their chances of winning the tournament

Raphinha, a natural replacement

The alignment of the Barcelona star on the right side or in the midfield would be the most logical in terms of his experience in the national team and experience. His quality and leadership, coupled with his performance in La Liga, make him indispensable for Brazil. The 18 goals generated this season already endorse him and his absence in the Blaugrana team is very noticeable.

Another candidate, this time for the pure right winger position, is Estevao . The Chelsea striker has been present in all the call-ups and has scored five goals in total, being the top scorer in the Brazilian Ancelotti era .

Endrick, favourite

The performance displayed at Olympique Lyonnais by 'Bobby' is being very fierce. His numbers in his first few games make him one of the best debutants in Ligue 1 history and it is very difficult for him not to have a place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

The Italian is his main supporter and has already dropped hints. "He could play in the 2026 World Cup... "The important thing is that he gets back to playing and shows his quality," he said at a press conference before leaving Real Madrid. It remains to be seen in what position he will play for Brazil because with Lyon he is also playing on the right flank alongside the striker.

Is the door open for Neymar's return?

A '10' for '10'. The Santos player has recovered from his knee injury and little by little he is showing good feelings on the pitch. His presence at the World Cup depends solely and exclusively on his fitness. "When he is fit, he has the level to be in any national team and in any team on the planet," confirmed Carlo.

'Ney's role would be in the midfield or on the left flank if Vinicius moves to the forward position alongside someone like Matheus Cunha or Richarlison. The Brazilian has wished him luck and sent encouragement to Rodrygo through a statement on his social networks.

Other options

Other potential candidates for that extreme position are Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) or Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo). All have had minutes under Carlo

Many cards on the table and many doubts for Ancelotti. At the end of March, in the next international break against France and Croatia , new clues will be given.