Raphinha Faces Setback as Brazil Keep Faith with Injured Winger

**Raphinha** suffered a fresh hamstring setback on 5 July 2026, yet Brazil’s coaching staff reiterated their support, insisting the winger will still feature in the next international window.

During a routine training session with the national squad, the 27‑year‑old forward pulled a hamstring in the 23rd minute of drills. Medical staff confirmed a Grade‑2 strain, meaning he will miss the friendly against Spain on 12 July. The injury follows a previous niggle that kept him out of the club’s last league match.

Raphinha has been Brazil’s most creative outlet on the right flank since his debut in March 2024. In the last six caps he contributed three assists and a goal that helped the Seleção clinch a 2‑1 win over Uruguay. Losing him ahead of a high‑profile friendly reduces tactical options for head coach **Tite**, who has been experimenting with a 4‑3‑3 system that relies on pace from the wings.

Tite addressed the media on 6 July, stating, “Raphinha is a key player, but his health comes first. We will manage his workload and bring him back when he’s fully fit.” The coaching staff has already identified **Neymar Jr.** and **Vinícius Júnior** as potential replacements for the upcoming match, though both carry their own injury concerns.

Club doctors expect a three‑week rehabilitation period, targeting a return for the UEFA Champions League round‑of‑16 second leg on 20 July. If the recovery goes as planned, Raphinha could be back in time for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Argentina on 28 July, a fixture that could decide the group’s top spot.

The winger’s club, **FC Barcelona**, announced on 4 July that he will miss the next two La Liga games against Sevilla and Real Betis. Barcelona’s sporting director **Andreu Fontàs** emphasized the need for a cautious approach, noting that “rushing him back could jeopardise the entire season.”

Brazilian supporters expressed mixed reactions on social media. While many praised the national team’s loyalty, others worried about the impact on the squad’s attacking fluidity. A poll on **Twitter** showed 62 % of fans backing the decision to keep Raphinha in the squad despite his injury.

Sports physiotherapist **Dr. Lucas Ribeiro** explained that a Grade‑2 hamstring strain typically requires 2‑4 weeks of targeted therapy. Given Raphinha’s age and professional conditioning, a return before the end of July is realistic, provided he adheres to the prescribed regimen.

Raphinha’s latest hamstring issue sidelines him for the short term, but Brazil’s hierarchy remains committed to his long‑term role. The next few weeks will test his recovery plan and determine whether he can re‑join the squad for crucial World Cup qualifying matches.