Raphinha leaves Brazil squad with thigh injury

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Raphinha was substituted at half-time during Tuesday's 4-2 win over Australia after complaining of discomfort, having scored Brazil's second goal from the penalty spot.

After second-half strikes from Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius secured Brazil's first win since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ancelotti did not comment on the severity of Raphinha's injury.

But the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has now confirmed the Barcelona forward sustained a "small muscle edema in the posterior region of the right thigh".

That will be a concern for the LaLiga champion, which has huge games against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid coming up in the next month, while Brazil has decided against calling up a replacement for Sunday's (AEST) friendly in Kolkata.

In Raphinha's absence, Vinicius, Junior, who was also on target from the penalty spot on Tuesday, could play an even greater role.

Although Vinicius has endured a slow start to the club season, only scoring once in eight outings for Real Madrid, he retains Ancelotti's full backing.

"I know Vini very well. For me, he is a fundamental player for Brazil and he has been throughout my career, and he will continue to be a key player for Brazil in the future," Ancelotti said.

"It is true that he is not in his best moment, nor at his best level, but even so, he can make the difference, and that is what he did.

"I decided that he deserved to take [Brazil's second penalty] because he deserved to score a goal. Personally, I will be very patient, because he deserves this patience."