Heartbreak for Barcelona fans! Carlo Ancelotti withdraws Raphinha from Brazil football squad ahead of maiden India visit
In a major heartbreak for Barcelona fans in India, Raphinha won’t be travelling with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad to the Asian country, the country’s football federation announced on Wednesday morning. Raphinha was a part of the Brazil squad for their tour of Australia and India. The Selecao will take on India on October 3 in Kolkata.
The Barcelona captain played Brazil’s first two matches on the tour of Australia. However, he was injured during Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia on Tuesday, and has been withdrawn from the squad. He has been released by Ancelotti from the squad ahead of Selecao’s maiden India visit.
“Raphinha underwent an imaging exam this Wednesday (September 30) which revealed a small muscle edema in the posterior region of his right thigh,” the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) said in a statement. “As a precaution and aiming for his prompt recovery, the player will be released from the Brazilian National Team,” the statement further added.
Interestingly, no replacement has been announced. Brazil are travelling to India for the first time in history for a FIFA friendly. Although several Brazilian legends like Pele, Ronaldinho, Cafu and others have toured India before, but this is the first time the first-team is travelling to the Asian subcontinent to play the Blue Tigers.
What happened to Raphinha?
Raphinha, who scored from the spot before the break to equalise at 2-2 against Australia, felt discomfort in his right leg, where he has suffered multiple hamstring and thigh injuries. After Brazil’s win over Australia, Raphinha was asked about his injury in the mixed zone.
“How are you?”, a journalist asked Raphinha. The Brazil footballer replied, “allright” with a brief smile. Raphinha’s departure, however, did not hinder Brazil’s comeback after a shaky first half, as Bruno Guimaraes struck in the 69th minute and Vinicius Jr converted a late penalty to secure their only win in the two-match friendly tour of Australia.
When is Brazil football team arriving in India?
The Brazilian football team will land at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport Kolkata on October 1. They will be taking rest that day and will only train on match-day minus one at the Saltlake Stadium, the venue for the historic match.
Brazil squad for India FIFA friendly
Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio, Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Junior, Vitor Reis, Wesley, Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo, Endrick, Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Pedro, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior.
