The Brazilian winger was forced out of Thursday’s friendly against France at half-time, leaving Hansi Flick to face a potentially season-defining stretch without his primary creative force
Barcelona are sweating over forward Raphinha, after he sustained a right leg injury during Brazil’s high-profile friendly against France at Gillette Stadium.
The 29-year-old winger, who has been in stellar form for both club and country, was substituted at the break after reporting persistent muscle discomfort in his right thigh.
While Raphinha managed to complete the first 45 minutes, the coaching staff opted for immediate caution, introducing Zenit forward Luiz Henrique in his place for the second half.
Medical exams are scheduled for Friday to determine the exact nature of the strain and whether a lengthy layoff is on the horizon.
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning for Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. As the international break concludes, the Catalan giants are set to enter a three-game gauntlet against Atlético Madrid.
The series begins with a crucial LaLiga encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 4, immediately followed by a two-legged Champions League quarterfinal showdown on April 8 and April 14.
Ancelotti confirms precautionary move amid 10-man drama
During the post-match press conference in Massachusetts, Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the substitution directly, acknowledging the player’s impact before the physical setback.
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Ancelotti explained that the decision was made to prevent a minor issue from escalating into a long-term tear, though the air of concern remains palpable within the Brazilian camp.
“Raphinha played very well, but he felt a slight muscle strain at the end of the first half,” Ancelotti told reporters. “We had to substitute him as a precaution. Further tests will be conducted today to determine if there is an injury and its severity.”
France edge Brazil in a shorthanded thriller
Despite the friendly billing, the atmosphere at Gillette Stadium was anything but casual as France secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Seleção.
The European side struck early through Kylian Mbappé, who beat Ederson with a sublime chipped finish in the 32nd minute to give Les Bleus a 1-0 lead at the break.
The match took a dramatic turn early in the second half when French defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off following a VAR review for a professional foul on Wesley.
Despite being reduced to ten men, France managed to double their lead in the 64th minute through Hugo Ekitike, who exploited a disorganized Brazilian defence to fire home.
Brazil finally found their footing in the 78th minute when Juventus defender Bremer capitalised on a scramble following a Luiz Henrique cross to pull one back.
The final ten minutes saw a relentless Brazilian onslaught, with Vinícius Júnior nearly snatching an equaliser in the dying seconds of stoppage time, but his effort missed the target.
