Raphinha injury update as Brazil star fears World Cup lay-off | OneFootball

Forward was forced off during 3-0 win over Haiti

Brazil face a nervous wait to discover the extent of Raphinha’s injury, with Vinicius Junior doing little to allay fears.

Barcelona star Raphinha was forced off before half-time of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti with what looked to be a hamstring injury.

Raphinha dropped to the pitch, clutching the back of his right leg before signalling for medical treatment. After a number of minutes being assessed, it was determined that the forward could not continue, and he was replaced by Bournemouth teenager Rayan.

The former Leeds star took his place on the substitutes bench and was again spotted holding the troublesome area.

Raphinha substituted against Haiti

Getty

Raphinha will undergo medical examinations on Saturday, but his involvement in Brazil’s final group game, against Scotland on Wednesday, is now under serious threat.

Selecao head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed: "Raphinha will be evaluated tomorrow, right now we don't know what happened.

“I put Rayan in because he showed good quality, he has a different profile from Raphinha, probably, it's small details that determine the entry of one player or another. It's all about small details."

Asked for an update after the game, Vinicius Jr said of Raphinha: "It’s a shame Rapha got injured. 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 because he’s a very important player, and we count on him a lot.”

In more positive news, Neymar is stepping up his fitness and is now in line to face Scotland.

Ancelotti said: “Neymar will train individually tomorrow [on Saturday] and then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready for the game against Scotland.”