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The Brazilian national team have been forced to replace Wesley (right) after the AS Roma full-back suffered an injury during their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup.

BOLASPORT.COM – Brazil have had to make a late change to their 2026 World Cup squad, calling up a player who is also on Manchester United’s radar.

Still grappling with Neymar’s ongoing recovery from injury, Brazil have now been dealt another blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup as one more player has been ruled out of the tournament.

The 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final pre-tournament friendly on Friday (6 June 2026) in Ohio came at a heavy cost for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

AS Roma defender Wesley sustained an injury just 15 minutes into the game.

The 22-year-old left the field in tears, leaving teammates and coaching staff deeply concerned.

Their worst fears were confirmed after Wesley underwent an MRI scan.

“There is an injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh,” read an official statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

“CBF deeply regrets this injury. Wesley is a much-loved member of the squad and will always be considered part of this team that is chasing a sixth World Cup title.”

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has already named Wesley’s replacement.

The chosen player is Atalanta’s Ederson Jose dos Santos Lourenco da Silva.

Unlike Wesley, the 26-year-old is a central midfielder by trade.

Ederson is capable of playing both as a box-to-box midfielder and as a deep-lying playmaker.

Having represented Atalanta over the past four seasons, he has made 180 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 6 assists.

“He’s exceptional at combining pace, strength, technique, and intelligence,” praised former Italian manager Fabio Capello when discussing Ederson’s abilities.

Thanks to his impressive performances in Serie A, Ederson has become a transfer target for Manchester United, who view him as a potential replacement for Casemiro.

A deal has reportedly been agreed, with United set to pay Atalanta £35 million to secure Ederson’s services.

According to BBC reports, the former Corinthians player is expected to join the Red Devils in July.

Before completing his move to Manchester United, Ederson will have the opportunity to play alongside the very midfielder he is set to replace — Casemiro — in the national team.

When comparing their international experience, however, Ederson and Casemiro are worlds apart.

Ederson has earned only 3 caps for Brazil, while Casemiro has made 86 appearances for the Seleção.