Injured Raphinha to miss Brazil’s match against Scotland

Brazil secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti to get their FIFA World Cup campaign back on track, but the result was overshadowed by an injury to winger Raphinha that will keep him out of the team’s next match.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that the Barcelona forward suffered a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh during the win and will not be available for Brazil’s final group-stage fixture against Scotland.

Raphinha was forced to leave the pitch in the 40^th minute after appearing to suffer discomfort, raising immediate concerns among Brazil’s coaching staff.

Medical assessments carried out after the match confirmed the extent of the injury.

In a statement, the CBF said, “examinations had identified damage to the posterior muscle of the player’s right thigh.”

The federation added that Raphinha would begin an intensive rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff, with the aim of returning to action as quickly as possible.

The governing body has not provided a timetable for his recovery, although reports in Brazilian media suggest the 29-year-old could be fit in time for the knockout stages should Brazil progress.

While the loss of Raphinha is a setback, Brazil have received encouraging news about Neymar.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said, “the experienced forward is close to returning and could be available for the match against Scotland.”

According to Ancelotti, Neymar is expected to resume training with the squad and is progressing well in his recovery.

The Brazil manager expressed confidence that the forward will be ready for selection in the upcoming fixture.

Brazil face Scotland in Miami on 25 June, with the match scheduled to kick off at 4:00 am Bangladesh time. The South American side will be looking to secure a positive result and strengthen their position as they aim to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds.

The possible return of Neymar offers a timely boost, although Brazil will have to cope without one of their key attacking players as Raphinha begins his recovery.