Brazil: Raphinha comes off injured in friendly against Australia

29.09.26 FT Friendly International

Australia

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Brazil

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Another injury concern for Raphinha. The FC Barcelona forward was substituted at half-time after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. Brazil, meanwhile, defeated Australia 4-2 in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Raphinha started the match and quickly made his presence felt. With Australia leading 2-1, the Barça player converted a penalty to bring Brazil level at 2-2 before half-time. However, he did not return after the break. Carlo Ancelotti brought on Endrick to replace him. The initial reports indicate discomfort in his right thigh. The severity of the problem remains to be determined.

Another concern after a turbulent World Cup

The substitution comes in a particular context for Raphinha. The Brazil international has already suffered several physical problems in recent months, particularly involving his right thigh. In March, he was taken off at half-time in the friendly defeat to France after feeling pain in the back of his right thigh. Subsequent examinations confirmed a muscle injury, and Barça announced that he was expected to be sidelined for around five weeks.

A few months later, Raphinha was injured again during the 2026 World Cup. In Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti, he had to leave the pitch in the first half because of pain in his right thigh. The CBF then confirmed another muscle injury in the posterior region of the thigh.

The injury caused concern within the national team. Raphinha even missed Brazil’s trip to face Japan and remained in New Jersey to undergo intensive treatment. According to ge, he had already suffered four injuries in the same area of his right leg during the season.

He eventually returned to competition with Brazil before the World Cup round of 16.

Another uncertainty for Barça

The latest concern against Australia therefore comes just a few months after those previous issues. Raphinha had already endured a particularly disrupted 2025-2026 season because of injuries, with several absences related to thigh problems.

For now, no precise diagnosis has been communicated regarding his departure in Brisbane. Examinations will determine the exact nature of the discomfort and the length of his absence.

On the pitch, Brazil continued without him and eventually won 4-2. Vinicius Jr notably converted a penalty, allowing the Seleção to end their second friendly meeting with Australia with a victory.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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