Paqueta offers Brazil more than control in possession. His pressing, movement into advanced areas and ability to link midfield with attack give the side a flexible option between the lines.
If he is unavailable, Brazil would lose an experienced ball-carrier at a stage when matches are likely to become tighter and more physical. The absence would also reduce coach Fernando Diniz’s ability to change the rhythm of a game without reshaping the entire midfield.
The report says Paqueta felt a problem in the back of his left thigh before Endrick replaced him for the second half against Japan.
Endrick’s introduction gives Brazil a different attacking profile, with greater directness and pace around the penalty area. He is not a like-for-like replacement for Paqueta, however, so his involvement could force Brazil to adjust the balance of the team.
The update says Paqueta has begun an intensive treatment programme under Brazil’s medical staff, but no return timeframe has been given. That makes Sunday’s selection decision dependent on his response to treatment rather than a clearly established recovery date.
Brazil’s federation has reportedly avoided ruling him out, while the wider report presents his participation as doubtful. That leaves room for late optimism but little certainty.
Brazil have reportedly already secured their place in the last 16 and will face Norway in East Rutherford, New Jersey. From this point, every injury carries greater weight because four wins are required to lift the trophy.
The next medical update will shape Brazil’s midfield plan. If Paqueta cannot recover, Endrick’s role and the team’s central balance will be the main story before Sunday’s contest.