Raphinha will miss next Brazil matches

Brazil have suffered a significant blow at the World Cup after scans confirmed that Raphinha has sustained a muscle injury in his right hamstring. The Barcelona winger was forced off during the first half of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti, pulling up while accelerating in the buildup to the second goal before leaving the pitch visibly distressed.

The CBF released an official statement confirming the diagnosis but did not provide a specific recovery timeline. According to reports from GE, Brazil’s medical staff hope to have him fit for the Round of 16 in two weeks. The setback is particularly worrying given that this is Raphinha’s fourth injury in the same area within a year, having already missed more than three months of Barcelona’s season. FIFA rules prevent Brazil from calling up a replacement, opening competition for his spot among Rayan, Endrick and Luiz Henrique. His absence complicates Brazil’s attacking plans moving forward.