Raphinha limps off in first half as Brazil sweat over World Cup fitness

Raphinha was substituted in the first half of Brazil’s World Cup group-stage match against Haiti in Philadelphia on Tuesday, leaving the Selecao anxious over the fitness of one of their key attackers with the knockout rounds approaching.

The 29-year-old Barcelona winger had been lively before pulling up, seeing a goal ruled out for offside and forcing another effort narrowly wide. He was replaced by Bournemouth’s Rayan after going to ground in the 40th minute and, while he was able to walk off the pitch unaided, the extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed.

The concern is that Raphinha could face a lay-off similar to that of Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, who missed the final month of the club season after suffering a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, commenting on the match, described the loss of Raphinha as “a significant loss” for Brazil.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti had named Raphinha among the five best players in the world in the build-up to the tournament, underlining how heavily the Selecao lean on the winger in attack. The injury compounds an already uncertain period for the squad, who are also monitoring Neymar’s recovery from a leg problem as the veteran forward bids to feature in what may be his final World Cup.

Despite the setback, Brazil were in control against Haiti. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with a fortunate deflection before Manchester United winger Cunha added a second with a composed finish in the 36th minute.

Brazil’s final group-stage fixture is against Scotland on Wednesday, 24 June in Miami. With Morocco facing Haiti in the other Group A match, Ancelotti’s side will likely need a win to secure top spot and the more favourable route through the knockout bracket.