Brazil's Raphinha Suffers Muscle Injury, Faces Intensive Treatment

Brazil's World Cup campaign has been hit by another setback as winger Raphinha was diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right thigh. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the diagnosis on June 20, stating that the Barcelona attacker will receive intensive treatment from the national team's medical staff.

No estimated return date has been provided by the CBF. However, sources close to Raphinha indicated to EFE news agency that he could be fit to play by the Round of 16. This potential timeline means he would miss Brazil's final group stage match against Scotland and any potential Round of 32 fixture.

Raphinha felt pain just before halftime during Brazil's second group stage match against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia. He left the field in the 40th minute, visibly concerned, as his teammates offered comfort. Initial examinations after the game pointed to an issue in the posterior region of his right thigh.

This latest injury adds to a difficult season for Raphinha, who has already been sidelined for 112 days across four separate incidents in the 2025/26 season, including this latest blow. He previously missed over a month with a similar injury to his right leg in late March while on international duty. The winger also dealt with a foot blister prior to the World Cup, though he had trained normally in the days leading up to the Haiti match before the muscle pain resurfaced.

Raphinha's absence is a blow to coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was already without Wesley, a defender from Roma, who was withdrawn from the squad before the tournament. Additionally, Estêvão (Chelsea) and Éder Militão (Real Madrid) were not included in the World Cup selection.