Brazil must adapt to Raphinha absence, insists Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta has urged Brazil to "restructure quickly" to cope with Raphinha's injury at the World Cup.

Raphinha was forced off with a thigh injury during the first half of Brazil's win over Haiti, with the Selecao confirming he will undergo "intensive treatment" in the hopes of returning during the knockout stages.

The Barcelona winger has scored 11 goals in 41 appearances for Brazil, but will now miss their crucial Group C clash against Scotland on June 24.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently top of the group on four points, but could still finish third if they lose to Scotland at Miami Stadium.

Paqueta believes losing Raphinha will be a blow for Brazil, but insists they cannot focus too much on the forward's absence.

"We are all sad, especially Rafa [Raphinha], because of the little setback with this injury, but he can count on all of us for support. We are all by his side," said Paqueta.

"He is a dedicated kid, and I am sure he will do everything possible and impossible to be back as soon as possible. But in terms of how important he is, well, I don't think I need to say anything.

"He has had an incredible couple of seasons and has been getting better and better for the national team, so I think that when any player of that importance is missing you are going to have to restructure quickly.

"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.

"But we are not paying too much attention to how long he is going to be out. We just hope he is back as soon possible."

Brazil and Scotland will face each other in the World Cup for the fifth time (after 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998). Only Argentina v Netherlands (six) has been played more times since the 1974 edition.

Scotland and Brazil’s first World Cup encounter was in 1974, ending in a goalless draw. Since then, Brazil have won their last three matches against Scotland at the tournament (4-1 in 1982, 1-0 in 1990 and 2-1 in 1998).