Kolkata : Barcelona forward Raphinha has been ruled out of Brazil squad ahead of friendly against India on October 3, after he sustained a minor injury and withdrew.
Several tests revealed a small area of muscle oedema in the back of his right thigh.
As a precautionary measure to aid his recovery, Raphinha will be released. As of now, Brazil haven’t called up a replacement for Raphinha.
Raphinha was substituted at half-time during Brazil’s friendly against Australia after feeling some discomfort, raising concerns at his Barcelona spell this season. He even scored a goal from Penalty in 45th minute for Brazil against Australia.
Raphinha is now expected to return to Barcelona for further tests to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment. The hope is that he will not miss any more games and that his withdrawal from the Brazil team is precautionary.
Barcelona’s next game is against Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, October 10, a week after Brazil’s friendly against India.
Raphinha’s injury comes as a setback for Carlo Ancelotti’s team as he is in form with 12 goals in La Liga for Barcelona, while also providing three assists.
Brazil are expected to arrive in Kolkata on October 1, and start practice on October 2, ahead of the much-anticipated clash at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Raphinha’s absence will come as a disappointment to Indian fans as he along with Vini were poster boy for the event, but Ancelotti’s team still have strength of Vini, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes and Marquinhos for the encounter that will be the first senior men’s international game between India and Brazil. India in previous friendly tied against Panama 1-1 with Ryan Williams scoring the goal before Omar Valencia equalised in the second half.
This performance against a World Cup side that recently faced likes of England, Croatia at World Cup will boost confidence for the Blue Tigers who were having a pale run lately.
