In Brisbane, where Brazil’s tour has carried the Seleção from one warm-weather stop to another before the onward flight to India, Raphinha’s penalty in a 4-2 friendly victory over Australia came with an unwelcome consequence for Barcelona. The winger was withdrawn at half-time on Tuesday after feeling discomfort in his right thigh, leaving the Catalan club waiting for medical tests before judging the extent of the problem.
Raphinha converted from the spot late in the first half after Danilo had won the penalty, but did not reappear after the interval. The concern is heightened because the affected area is the same thigh that has troubled him during two earlier Brazil call-ups.
Barcelona await the scan
Joan Laporta has voiced Barcelona’s unease over the episode, questioning the demands created by extended international windows. The club president said the news was particularly worrying, adding that Barcelona were far from pleased and that similar situations had affected other players before.
A scan will determine whether the discomfort amounts to an injury. Barcelona are treating the matter with maximum caution and would want Raphinha back in the city promptly if examinations reveal any meaningful risk, rather than allowing him to continue through the remainder of Brazil’s itinerary.
Brazil’s journey continues towards Kolkata
Brazil’s squad has been given Wednesday off in Brisbane and will hold one further training session there before travelling to India. Their next friendly is scheduled for Saturday in Kolkata, against India.
For Raphinha, however, the next destination may depend less on the tour schedule than on the outcome of the medical assessment. What began as a successful first half against Australia has left Barcelona watching the international break with familiar anxiety.
