Raphinha withdraws from Brazil Squad, set to return to Barcelona ahead of India friendly

Raphinha is set to skip the game against India and return to Barcelona as a precaution. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, License Details)

India’s highly anticipated friendly game with Brazil in Kolkata has lost one of its biggest attractions, with FC Barcelona skipper Raphinha ruled out of the October 3 friendly after suffering a minor thigh injury.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Raphinha has been withdrawn from the squad after an examination detected a small muscle oedema in the posterior region of his right thigh.

The decision has been taken as a precaution and to allow the 29-year-old to recover properly. No replacement will be called up for the match against India.

Raphinha started the second friendly game against Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday, where they emerged as the winners by 4-2.

The Barça forward scored Brazil’s goal from the spot before being subbed out at halftime after he experienced discomfort in his right thigh.

The decision comes as a precaution partly because Raphinha has a history of problems in the same area.

He managed only 33 appearances last season with the club because of injury issues after previously suffering a hamstring problem in his right leg while on international duty.

Raphinha had been expected to be one of the highlight names when Brazil arrived in Kolkata for the historic fixture at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

This game will be the first meeting between the two senior men's teams of India and Brazil. His absence will be particularly disappointing for Indian Barcelona fans, given the Brazilian forward's excellent start to the season with Barcelona.

Brazil, however, will still travel to Kolkata with a star-studded squad even with the absence of Raphinha.

Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Bruno Guimarães and Marquinhos are among the players expected to feature, while Carlo Ancelotti's side will look to finish their two-match Australia tour and India fixture and return home on a positive note.

FC Barcelona can begin monitoring his condition ahead of the resumption of domestic football.

The initial diagnosis suggests a minor issue rather than a serious injury, but the Catalan club will have little reason to take unnecessary risks with their star player so early in the season.