Overview
- Raphinha was taken off at halftime of Brazil’s friendly against Australia after reporting muscular discomfort in his right thigh and was replaced by Endrick.
- The Confederation of Brazilian Football confirmed the substitution and said it would provide more information on the nature of the problem after medical assessment.
- Raphinha had scored a penalty just before leaving the field and had logged heavy minutes on the tour, including a 95-minute appearance in the previous match in Townsville.
- Barcelona is watching closely because Raphinha has been key to the club this season and he suffered a biceps femoral rupture in the same right thigh in March that sidelined him for several weeks.
- Brazil’s medical team will judge his availability for the scheduled India friendly in Kolkata, and the outcome could affect Barcelona’s plans if the discomfort proves linked to his prior thigh injury.