Brazil's mixed blessing with Raphinha and Neymar - one returns, the other not so soon

Brazil may be on the verge of securing top spot in Group C, but the Selecao head into their final group-stage fixture with mixed emotions.

On one hand, Carlo Ancelotti is set to welcome back his biggest star. On the other, he appears to have lost another.

Brazil and Morocco currently sit level at the top of Group C with four points apiece and are already all but assured of a place in the knockout rounds. Yet there is still plenty at stake when the Brazilians face Scotland in Miami tonight.

Finishing first could significantly alter the path through the knockout bracket. The runners-up are expected to face the winners of Group F, likely the Netherlands, while the group winners would instead meet the victors of a clash between Japan and Sweden.

But while qualification scenarios dominate the headlines, injury concerns have become Brazil's biggest talking point.

Barcelona winger Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the 3-0 victory over Haiti five days ago and faces an anxious wait to discover whether he will play another meaningful part in the tournament.

The Brazilian Football Confederation has remained publicly cautious, but reports suggest the 28-year-old could be sidelined until at least the quarter-finals, should Brazil progress that far.

Raphinha himself has offered no timetable for his return. Instead, he sent an emotional message to supporters on social media, posting a childhood photograph of himself wearing Brazil colours and vowing to do everything possible to get back on the pitch.

"I chose this photo because it reminds me where everything started," Raphinha wrote.

"The boy who dreamed of wearing the Brazil shirt is still here, with the same dreams, gratitude and desire to represent his country.

"I love football, I love my job and I love this shirt. Those who know me understand how much I demand from myself and how hard I work every day to improve. That will never change.

"I will do everything in my power to recover and return as quickly as possible. I want to be alongside my team-mates, fighting for our goals and bringing joy to the Brazilian people."

Brazil's problems piling up: Group stage over for Raphinha

If Raphinha's message brought concern, the latest update on Neymar has provided relief.

The 34-year-old has recovered from the injury that kept him out of Brazil's opening two matches and has returned to full training. While he is not yet ready to start, Neymar is expected to make his first appearance of the tournament from the bench against Scotland.

For Brazil, it is a familiar story. Just as one attacking star leaves the spotlight, another steps back into it.

Neymar may not be able to play in group stage — but he can always play at poker table

Ancelotti is expected to hand Bournemouth teenager Ryan a starting role on the right flank in Raphinha's absence. The 19-year-old impressed after replacing the Barcelona winger against Haiti and now appears set for the biggest opportunity of his international career.

"Ryan played very well when he came on for Raphinha," Ancelotti said.

"He has a lot of potential. I have other players who can fit into the system, but I believe we need width in our game and Ryan is perfectly suited to that role."

Scotland, meanwhile, arrive with plenty to play for themselves. A victory over Haiti and a narrow defeat to Morocco have left them well positioned to challenge for a place among the tournament's best third-placed teams.

History, however, offers little encouragement.

This will be the 11th meeting between the nations and Scotland have never beaten Brazil. The South Americans have won eight of the previous 10 encounters, while the other two ended in draws. Their World Cup record is equally one-sided. Scotland earned a goalless draw in 1974, but Brazil have won each of the last three tournament meetings, prevailing in 1982, 1990 and 1998.

The immediate objective remains securing first place in Group C.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)

Group C

Thursday

01.00: (1.23) Morocco (7.00) Haiti (15.0)

01.00: (10.0) Scotland (5.00) Brazil (1.38)

***odds are subject to change***