Raphinha returns to Barcelona after suffering thigh injury with Brazil

Barcelona forward Raphinha will return to Spain after suffering a thigh injury during Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia according to ESPN. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the in-form attacker will miss Saturday’s match against India and travel back to Barcelona for further assessment.

Tests revealed a minor muscle oedema in the back of his right thigh, with Brazil releasing him as a precaution. Barcelona are expected to manage the situation carefully because Raphinha missed 25 games last season with hamstring problems in the same leg. The 29-year-old has started this campaign brilliantly, scoring 14 goals in eight appearances under Hansi Flick.