Barcelona have their first international break scare. Raphinha was forced off at half-time in Brazil's 1-2 friendly defeat to France at Gillette Stadium in Boston after complaining of discomfort in his right thigh.
The 28-year-old started and looked sharp in the opening exchanges, but did not re-emerge for the second half. According to TNT Sports, he was substituted due to muscle pain in his right thigh. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the issue after the game: "Raphinha played very well, then he had a problem at the end of the first half and we had to change him. His muscle bothered him a little and I think they are going to evaluate him tomorrow."
Medical tests are scheduled for Friday to determine whether this is a genuine injury or precautionary discomfort. Barcelona will be anxiously awaiting the results. The timing could not be worse — the UCL quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou is on April 8, less than two weeks after the international break ends.
Raphinha had been in outstanding form before leaving for Brazil. He scored a hat-trick against Sevilla, then a brace and two assists in the Champions League demolition of Newcastle. Losing him for the Atletico tie would be a serious blow to Hansi Flick.
