Raphinha Forced Off at Half-Time After Thigh Injury Scare Against Australia

Raphinha’s return to Brazil’s starting XI was cut short at half-time after the Barcelona forward suffered discomfort in his right thigh during Tuesday’s 4–2 friendly win over Australia.

The 29-year-old started the match as Brazil’s captain and played a key role in the first half, scoring from the penalty spot to bring the Seleção level at 2–2 shortly before the break.

However, Raphinha did not return for the second half, with Endrick introduced in his place.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the reason for the substitution, stating through the national team’s press office:

“With discomfort in his right thigh, forward Raphinha was substituted at half-time.”

At this stage, the CBF has not confirmed that Raphinha has suffered a new muscle injury, nor has it provided a recovery timeline. He is expected to undergo further assessment to determine the seriousness of the problem.

The timing will nevertheless concern Barcelona, particularly given Raphinha’s recent history with problems in the same area. He previously suffered a right hamstring injury during Brazil’s friendly against France in March, while another right-thigh muscle injury forced him out of Brazil’s World Cup campaign after the match against Haiti. ESPN reported at the time that the March injury was expected to keep him out for around five weeks.

Raphinha had been enjoying an important role under Carlo Ancelotti, with the winger recently taking over Brazil’s No.10 shirt following Neymar’s international retirement. His latest setback therefore gives the Seleção another fitness concern as the new World Cup cycle begins.

Brazil still have one more match during the current international window, against India in Kolkata on October 3. Whether Raphinha will be available for that fixture will depend on the results of his medical assessment.

For now, the CBF’s statement indicates discomfort rather than a confirmed injury, meaning Barcelona and Brazil will have to wait for further examinations before knowing the full extent of the problem.