Brazil forward Raphinha has left the national team camp after medical tests revealed swelling in his right thigh, forcing the Barcelona star to withdraw from the squad as a precaution.
The Brazilian Football Confederation said on Wednesday that scans showed the 29-year-old had a small muscle oedema in his right thigh. Raphinha will therefore miss Brazil’s upcoming friendly against India on Saturday and will not be replaced in the squad.
The development is likely to attract particular attention in Barcelona, where Raphinha remains an important part of the club’s attacking plans. The player has already experienced fitness problems involving the same leg, making the latest issue a concern despite the Brazilian federation describing the decision to withdraw him as precautionary.
Raphinha has enjoyed an impressive start to the season at club level. He has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in eight appearances, making his availability an important issue for both Brazil and Barcelona.
The Brazilian forward has also become an important figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s national-team plans. His ability to create chances, score goals and provide width has made him one of the players Brazil can rely on in attack.
Brazil’s current international programme includes another friendly against India on Saturday. Raphinha’s absence means Ancelotti will have to continue preparations without one of his established attacking options.
The injury comes after Raphinha was already carefully managed because of previous fitness problems. He made only 33 club appearances last season and missed four matches in April because of a hamstring problem involving the same leg.
The latest medical assessment, however, has not been presented as a long-term injury. The Brazilian federation described the muscle problem as a small oedema and opted against replacing him in the squad.
That decision suggests Brazil will monitor his recovery rather than immediately bringing in another player.
For Barcelona supporters, the immediate focus will now shift towards Raphinha’s recovery and whether the problem affects his availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures.
The forward has been one of the most productive Brazilian attackers at club level this season, meaning any extended absence could become a significant storyline for both his club and country.
For now, Brazil will have to continue without him, while Raphinha begins his recovery away from the national-team setup.
