Raphinha suffers muscle discomfort in Brazil’s friendly win

Raphinha suffers muscle discomfort in Brazil’s friendly win Raphinha was substituted at halftime during Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday and was replaced by Endrick. The Barcelona forward scored his 13th goal for the Selecao before his substitution after converting a penalty just before the break. CNN Brasil now report that the Barcelona forward was taken off due to muscle discomfort. Raphinha is unlikely to feature in Brazil’s friendly against India on Saturday. Raphinha’s injury could be a blow for Barcelona Raphinha has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season for Barcelona, chipping in with 14 goals and three assists in eight games. The 29-year-old has scored more goals than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Barcelona could be greatly affected if Raphinha is sidelined for a lengthy spell. The Brazil international has played as a striker this season following the departure of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres over the summer. Barcelona can rely on Gabriel and Anthony Gordon, but neither has been as clinical as Raphinha this season. The Brazil international’s all-round play would also be missed. Only two players have created more big chances and are averaging more key passes per game than him in the Barcelona squad. Manager Hansi Flick will be hoping that the former Leeds forward recovers in time for their upcoming fixtures. Barcelona are back in action on October 10, facing Getafe at the Camp Nou. They then face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 20 before hosting Real Madrid in El Clásico on October 25.