Kolkata: Indian football fans waiting to see Brazil’s biggest stars in Kolkata have been dealt a blow, with Raphinha ruled out of the upcoming friendly against India.
The Barcelona forward has been released from the Brazil squad after picking up a thigh injury during Tuesday’s 4-2 win over Australia in Brisbane. He will return to Barcelona for further treatment, while the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that no replacement will be called up.
Raphinha started the game against Australia and scored Brazil’s second goal from the penalty spot. However, he was substituted at half-time after feeling discomfort in his right thigh, with Endrick replacing him.
The CBF confirmed on Wednesday that imaging tests showed a small muscular edema in the posterior region of Raphinha’s right thigh. The decision to release him was described as a precautionary measure.
How could Carlo Ancelotti replace Raphinha?
Raphinha’s absence leaves Carlo Ancelotti with a selection decision ahead of Brazil’s first senior men’s international against India.
The 29-year-old started both of Brazil’s games against Australia during this international window. He provided the assist for Rayan’s stoppage-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw in Sydney before scoring in the 4-2 victory in Brisbane.
Ancelotti will now have to find a solution from within his existing squad.
Estêvão could be one of the leading options. The Chelsea winger started the first game against Australia alongside Raphinha, Endrick and Vinicius Junior. His ability to play on the right could make him a natural replacement for Raphinha.
Endrick is another option after making an impact in Brisbane. The Real Madrid forward came on for Raphinha at half-time and assisted Bruno Guimarães’ goal, which put Brazil ahead in the second half.
Ancelotti could also use Endrick in a wider role or deploy him through the middle while bringing another player into the attack.
Vinicius Junior remains a key option
Vinicius Junior is another important part of Ancelotti’s attacking plans.
The Real Madrid forward played the full 90 minutes against Australia and scored Brazil’s fourth goal from the penalty spot. He could start on the left against India, with Estêvão potentially taking up the position on the opposite flank.
Rayan and Samuel Lino also provide Ancelotti with options if he decides to change the structure of his attack rather than replace Raphinha directly.
A possible attacking combination could see Vinicius Junior on the left, Estêvão on the right and Endrick through the middle. However, Ancelotti could also move Endrick out wide and use a more natural central forward.
Brazil vs India presents another chance for Ancelotti to assess his squad
Ancelotti has already shown that he is willing to rotate his squad during this international window.
Brazil made seven changes between their two games against Australia, with alterations made in both defence and attack. Therefore, predicting the starting XI for the India game remains difficult.
The three-match window is also an opportunity for Ancelotti to assess his options as Brazil begin a new cycle following the World Cup.
Raphinha’s departure will not lead to another player being added to the squad. The CBF has confirmed that no replacement will be called up, meaning Ancelotti will work with the players already travelling to India.
Brazil will face India for the first time at senior men’s international level on October 3. The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
For Ancelotti, the game will provide another opportunity to assess his attacking options. For Indian fans, however, Raphinha’s absence means one of the most anticipated names from Brazil’s squad will not be on the pitch.
