UPDATE: Brazil make further statement, give no return date
The CBF have since released another statement on Raphinha’s status.
“On Saturday, athlete Raphinha underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the posterior region of his right thigh,” they wrote.
“The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, monitored by the Brazilian National Team’s medical team, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as quickly as possible.”
The lack of return date causes further concern over Raphinha’s participation at the World Cup.
However, O Globo have eased some fears, reporting that Brazil expect the striker to be back for the last 16.
They add that the imaging exam ‘didn’t show anything too serious’, but the national team’s medical department is waiting for the next few days to observe the injury.
There is huge concern that Brazil could be without Raphinha for much of the World Cup after his latest injury.
The Barcelona forward departed the 3-0 win over Haiti clutching his right thigh in what has been a problem for him in recent months.
Raphinha has suffered four different relapses with the issue, missing 105 days and 23 games for Barca with the problem.
Vinicius causes Raphinha concern
And given what Vinicius said post-match, there’s plenty of concern he’s in for a fifth spell on the sidelines.
“It’s a shame Rapha got injured,” he said.
“I think it was the same injury as last time. We’re very sad about that. I hope it’s nothing serious and that he can continue with us.”
Lucas Paqueta added: “He’s a little down, we hope it’s nothing serious, that it’s the least bad thing, because he’s a very important player, and we count on him a lot.
Raphinha injury news
The Brazilian football federation [CBF] have since offered the following update.
“The striker felt pain in his right hamstring during the first half of the match against Haiti,” they wrote.
“The player has already begun treatment and will be re-evaluated.”
It should be noted that Brazil cannot replace Raphinha now that their tournament has begun.
Carlo Ancelotti also commented: “Raphinha will be evaluated tomorrow, for now we don’t have much of an idea of what happened with his hamstring.”
Raphinha was able to walk off the pitch by himself in the 40th minute of the match but looked emotional after discussions with the medical team.
Neymar injury update
On the positive side for Brazil, Neymar will return for their final group game against Scotland having missed the win over Haiti and the 1-1 draw with Morocco through injury.
Neymar and Alex Sandro trained individually during a day off for the rest of the team and they were greeted by Ancelotti on the training pitch.
Giving an update, the coach said: “Yes. Neymar will train individually tomorrow and then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready for the game against Scotland.”
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