Barcelona captain Raphinha suffers thigh discomfort during Australia friendly

Barcelona captain Raphinha suffers thigh discomfort during Australia friendly Barcelona have been handed an injury scare after Brazil confirmed that Raphinha was withdrawn at half-time with thigh discomfort during the friendly against Australia in Brisbane. The Barcelona forward had started the match as Brazil’s false nine and was arguably his side’s most influential attacker before being replaced by Endrick at the interval. The score was 2-2 when the captain left the pitch. Brazil’s Football Confederation confirmed that the substitution was linked to discomfort in Raphinha’s right thigh, although there is currently no detailed assessment of the problem. Raphinha forced off after scoring for Brazil The Barcelona superstar had converted a penalty in the 45th minute to score Brazil’s second goal, although he did not return for the second half.  Brazil confirmed that his replacement, Endrick, came on because of “some discomfort the striker felt in his right leg.” For now, there is no indication of whether the issue is minor or could force Raphinha to miss Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures.  This means further examinations will be needed before a recovery timeline can be established. The concern will be heightened at Barcelona given the amount of football Raphinha has already played during this international window and also due to the form he has enjoyed under Hansi Flick this season, with the forward already scoring 14 goals and three assists. Barcelona will be watching Raphinha’s condition closely Raphinha had completed the entire 90 minutes only three days earlier when Brazil faced Australia in the first friendly between the teams. That match finished 1-1, with the Barcelona attacker the only Brazilian forward to remain on the pitch for the full game.  He subsequently started again in Brisbane, meaning his early withdrawal now becomes an important fitness issue for both club and country. Raphinha scored against Australia before being taken off. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) The Brazilian tour has also created an unusual physical burden for Barcelona’s squad because Carlo Ancelotti’s team is playing two matches with Australia and another fixture against India in Kolkata on Saturday. Notably, the international assignment has involved considerable travel for the Barcelona winger and his teammates. Brazil’s tour of Oceania and Australia has required the players to cover around 34,000 kilometres , effectively taking them on a journey close to the circumference of the planet. Barcelona will therefore be hoping Raphinha’s withdrawal proves to be nothing more than a precaution.  The club has no confirmed diagnosis beyond the reported right-thigh discomfort at this stage, meaning the next medical assessment will be crucial.