Barcelona star departs international duty early | OneFootball

Barcelona star Raphinha has on Wednesday departed national team duty with his native Brazil, to return to Catalunya’s capital ahead of time.

This comes owing to an injury scare for the former Leeds United man.

Raphinha was for his part in from the off for the latest occasion in Brazilian colours on Tuesday, finding the net from the penalty spot in a 4-2 friendly victory over Australia.

Upon Carlo Ancelotti’s men reemerging for the 2nd-half, however, Raphinha was nowhere to be seen, replaced by Real Madrid youngster Endrick. It was subsequently revealed that this came owing to a fitness problem.

And as alluded to above, after a round of discussions earlier today, Barcelona and the CBF have made the collective call not to take any risks with their in-form frontman.

As per a report from journalist Fabrizio Romano:

‘Raphinha leaves Brazil camp and returns to Barcelona with immediate effect. Decision follows minor muscle issue suffered vs Australia on Tuesday.’

Conor Laird – GSFN