MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Brazil forward Raphinha has suffered a hamstring injury but has not been ruled out of the World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation announced on Saturday.
The 29-year-old winger left Friday’s 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia late in the first half after receiving medical treatment on the field.
Subsequent examinations confirmed an injury to his right hamstring, although Brazil officials said the problem is not considered serious enough to end his tournament.
Raphinha will now undergo an intensive treatment program aimed at allowing him to return to action as quickly as possible.
The injury represents another concern for Brazil, which has already lost defender Wesley for the remainder of the tournament and has been without Neymar during the opening two matches because of a calf injury.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti said after Friday’s victory that Neymar is expected to return for Brazil’s final group-stage match against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Raphinha had been one of Brazil’s key attacking players before being forced off against Haiti, a match that saw Matheus Cunha score twice and Vinícius Júnior add another goal in a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Brazil remain unbeaten after two matches and are battling Morocco for top spot in Group C heading into the final round of group fixtures.
The extent of Raphinha’s availability for the Scotland match remains uncertain, but Brazil’s medical staff are optimistic that the winger can return later in the tournament if he is unable to feature next week.
Source: Saudi Gazette