Medical exams confirm Raphinha's injury; he will continue intensive treatment with Brazil

Raphinha, the dynamic winger for the Brazilian national team, is facing a spell on the sidelines after medical tests confirmed a muscle injury in his right thigh. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced Saturday that the Barcelona player "will undergo intensive treatment" under the supervision of the national team's doctors, with the goal of a swift return to activity.

The injury occurred during Brazil's second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Haiti on Friday. Raphinha, 29, felt pain just before halftime and requested to be substituted, showing visible concern as teammates offered comfort. Initial assessments after the match had already pointed to an issue in the posterior region of his right thigh, an area that has caused him physical problems in the past.

This latest setback is a significant blow for Brazil and head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Raphinha has a history of injuries, having already been sidelined for 112 days and missing 24 matches during the 2025/26 season, according to Transfermarkt data. This marks his fourth injury this year, including a previous muscle issue with the national team in late March that kept him out for over a month.

Despite training normally in the days leading up to the Haiti match, following a previous concern over a foot blister, the muscular pain reappeared. Raphinha's absence further complicates Ancelotti's squad selection, as the coach had already lost defender Wesley and could not call upon Estêvão, Éder Militão, or Rodrygo due to long-term injuries.