Brazil’s national soccer team announced Sunday that Atalanta midfielder Ederson will join the World Cup roster as a replacement for injured defender Wesley.
The midfielder, who has earned three international appearances for Brazil, is scheduled to meet up with the squad on Monday.
Wesley sustained an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh and will be unable to participate in the World Cup, according to Sunday’s announcement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The AS Roma defender suffered the injury during Saturday’s 2-1 exhibition victory against Egypt in Cleveland.
In an official statement, the CBF expressed disappointment over the setback. “The CBF regrets the injury,” the organization stated. “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.”
Brazil is set to begin Group C competition with a match against Morocco on Saturday in East Rutherford, N.J. The team’s remaining group stage games include a June 19 contest versus Haiti in Philadelphia and a June 24 matchup with Scotland in Miami.
