Raphinha fit to return for Brazil against Norway, confirms Ancelo

Brazil have received a timely boost ahead of Sunday's high-stakes FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway, with forward Raphinha declared fit to return from injury.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the winger is available for selection, although he is expected to begin the match on the bench and be used as an impact substitute if required.
Raphinha had been sidelined for two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Brazil's group-stage victory over Haiti. He returned to training on Friday and has recovered faster than initially expected.
"Raphinha is progressing very well," Ancelotti told reporters on the eve of the match. "He is not yet 100 per cent fit, but he is ready to be on the bench and play a few minutes or help the team when needed."
The Italian coach welcomed the forward's speedy recovery, describing him as an important member of the squad.
"He has recovered very quickly and very well. We're delighted because Raphinha is a very important player for us," Ancelotti said.
Brazil, however, will be without midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who sustained a hamstring injury during the previous match against Japan.
Asked how he plans to replace Paquetá, Ancelotti admitted there is no like-for-like option in his squad.
"We don't have another player with Lucas Paquetá's qualities," he said. "We'll have to replace him differently. Danilo, Gabriel, Matheus Cunha and Ederson all have different characteristics. I'll choose the player who best suits the tactical plan we want to implement."
With Neymar expected to lead the attack and Raphinha available as a second-half option, Brazil head into the knockout clash with renewed attacking depth as they seek a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

MMR