Carlo Ancelotti reacts to the idea of playing Vinicius Jr against Croatia after his injury concerns

Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, restored a sense of calm to the national team’s camp ahead of their upcoming friendly. The Italian tactician confirmed that Vinícius Júnior is in peak condition to play, putting an end to the nerves caused by his recent physical discomfort.

During the pre-match press conference in Orlando, Ancelotti explained that the Real Madrid superstar was simply dealing with "muscle fatigue." While Vini had trained separately in one of the recent sessions, his recovery has been excellent, and he is expected to be in the starting XI.

The Brazilian winger had sparked concerns after the match against France, which he finished with visible discomfort. His absence from a subsequent training session increased the uncertainty surrounding his fitness for the clash against the Vatreni.

However, medical tests have officially ruled out any serious injury. Vinícius has since returned to normal training with his teammates, confirming that there is no major risk in him taking the pitch this week.

Beyond the medical report, Ancelotti was quick to praise the forward's impact on the squad. For the "Mister," Vinícius is currently in world-class form and remains one of the most decisive players on the international stage.

Ancelotti also took a moment to highlight both Vini and Raphinha (FC Barcelona), stating that both have the potential to be standout figures in the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized that both players possess the technical quality and the personality required to make a difference at the highest level of football.

In more good news for the Canarinha, Ancelotti confirmed the recovery of Marquinhos. The Paris Saint-Germain center-back missed the previous match due to minor discomfort but has returned to full training. His presence against Croatia will provide much-needed stability to the backline.

The friendly against Croatia marks Carlo Ancelotti’s 10th match as Brazil’s head coach since taking over in May. So far, his record stands at:

This encounter serves as a vital chapter in the team’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The primary goal remains clear: solidifying a tactical model and ensuring the squad arrives at the tournament in optimal condition.