Endrick is a potential match-winner on his day, an explosive, powerful forward with a wicked left foot and superb close control. That’s why Madrid didn’t give Lyon a purchase option when sanctioning his loan; he’s still seen as an important part of their future plans.

The glaring weakness Ancelotti pointed out remains, though. Endrick doesn’t get his head up enough, too often opting to go it alone when team-mates are in better positions. That may well count against him when it comes time for the Brazil boss to name his final World Cup squad. Managers can only take 26 players, and Ancelotti faces a major headache in the final third.

Lyon have been using Endrick as a right winger, but realistically, he won’t get a look-in there for the Selecao, given he is up against Raphinha, Rodrygo and Estevao Willian. As versatile as the talented teen is, he is not going to usurp Vinicius on the opposite side either, or indeed his usual deputy Gabriel Martinelli. That leaves him fighting for a No.9 berth, where he made a name for himself at Palmeiras.

Endrick hasn’t featured for his country since March last year, with Ancelotti instead calling up six other players as options through the middle: Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Joao Pedro, Vitor Roque, Igor Jesus and Kaio George. Gabriel Jesus has also just returned to action at Arsenal after a long injury layoff, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago is being tipped to break into the squad amid his battle with Erling Haaland for the Premier League Golden Boot.

Only two or three of those names will likely make the cut, meaning Ancelotti will have to schedule some tough phone calls. As it stands, one will probably be to Endrick.

The good news is that he still has plenty of time to change his situation, with the deadline for manager selections not until June 1. Lyon potentially have 21 fixtures still to play, should they reach the Coupe de France and Europa League finals, and Fonesca is acutely aware of what Endrick must do to reach the next level.

“Everyone knows he wants to be in the Brazil team, and he understands how important it is to perform here to achieve this goal. I’m trying to keep him balanced, humble and responsible,” he recently told The Athletic. “To help him understand that he can help the team – but also that the team can help him.”

If Endrick takes all of that on board, it may be impossible for Ancelotti to overlook him.Â