Raphinha has left the Brazilian national team and is returning to Barcelona for further medical examinations. The 29-year-old had sustained a thigh injury whilst on international duty with the Selecao.
First, he scored the equaliser to make it 2–2 from the penalty spot against Australia just before the half-time whistle, then he was substituted at half-time: Raphinha watched the 4–2 victory in Brisbane from the bench due to muscle discomfort in his right thigh.
“Raphinha wasn’t injured. He was simply experiencing slight discomfort, and I had to take him off so he could rest,” explained manager Carlo Ancelotti after the match. However, it is now clear that the forward will miss the friendly against India (Saturday, 4 pm). Instead, the 29-year-old is travelling back to Barcelona to undergo further examinations.
The Brazilian Football Confederation also issued a statement detailing the results of its own medical examinations. According to this, he is suffering from oedema at the back of his right thigh and is to recover in Barcelona. Ancelotti decided against calling up a replacement.
Barcelona can hardly do without Raphinha; after eight competitive matches, he has already scored 14 goals and provided three assists. The back of his right thigh is known to be prone to injury: last season, he missed 26 matches due to various problems in that area.
Eric also had to return home
Raphinha is not the only FC Barcelona player returning to Catalonia early. A few days ago, Eric picked up an injury whilst on international duty with the Spanish national team and cut short his international tour; the defender suffered swelling in his knee and also requires further examination.
Eric had been scheduled to start in the match at Wembley against England (3–2), but he picked up an injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Marc Pubill at right-back. The versatile defender was already absent from the squad for the recent 4–1 victory over Croatia.
