Raphinha Ruled Out of India vs Brazil Friendly After Thigh Injury
Brazil forward Raphinha will miss the October 3 friendly against India in Kolkata after a minor right-thigh injury. He will return to Barcelona for treatment.
Brazil forward Raphinha will miss the team’s historic senior international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3 after suffering a minor right-thigh injury. The Barcelona player has been released from the Brazil squad and will return to his club for treatment.
Raphinha picked up the problem during Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia in Brisbane. He played the first half and scored from the penalty spot before being substituted at the break. An examination later showed a small amount of muscle oedema in the back of his right thigh.
Although the injury has been described as minor, Brazil have opted not to risk the forward, particularly given his previous problems in the same area. No replacement has been called up for the India fixture.
Brazil are scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on October 1 for the match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Despite Raphinha’s absence, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad includes several major names, including Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes and Marquinhos.
The fixture will mark the first senior international meeting between India and Brazil. India enter the game after a 1-1 draw against Panama on September 26, with Ryan Williams scoring for the hosts before Omar Valencia equalised.
The Brazil match is part of a demanding international window for India, with Uruguay scheduled to visit the Salt Lake Stadium on October 6. Raphinha will miss the landmark Kolkata fixture, but Brazil will still arrive with a strong squad for their first senior meeting with the Blue Tigers.
