Raphinha heading back to Barcelona as Brazil confirm injury blow
The forward has undergone tests and a statement has been issued.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 26: Raphinha #11 of Brazil leaves the field at the end of the first half during the game between France and Brazil at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Brazil has finally offered an update on Raphinha and confirmed the Barcelona star suffered a muscle injury during Thursday’s friendly against France. Raphinha had to go off at half-time of the match and has been ruled out of Brazil’s next game against Croatia.
The forward will now return to Barcelona to start treatment. Here’s the official statement from the CBF: “Athletes Raphinha and Wesley were called up this Friday (27) by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Both felt pain in the posterior region of the right thigh during the match against France.
“On Friday, the athletes underwent imaging tests that confirmed muscle injuries. The players are released to follow the treatment. No other athletes will be called to replace them.
” There’s still no word yet on the severity of Raphinha’s injury and how much time he’ll miss. Barcelona are said to fear it’s another recurrence of a hamstring problem , but it’s still not clear how long he will be out of action for.