Barcelona await Raphinha’s medical tests after Brazil return

Barcelona will have to wait for further medical examinations before learning whether Raphinha’s right-thigh problem is minor or more serious.

The club captain was withdrawn from the Brazil squad after suffering an injury during a friendly against Australia. Raphinha scored from the penalty spot in Brazil’s 4-2 victory but did not return for the second half after swelling developed in his right thigh.

The Brazilian Football Association announced on Wednesday morning that the forward would return to Barcelona as a precaution. It said he had been diagnosed with “muscular oedema” and was therefore removed from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the forthcoming friendly against India.

Raphinha has left Brazil’s training camp and is due to arrive in Barcelona on Thursday, when he will undergo the necessary medical tests. The club is particularly keen to determine what caused the oedema and assess the extent of the problem in detail.

The timing of his arrival could also affect the initial assessment. According to Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha is expected to have spent more than 20 hours travelling by air from Australia before reaching Barcelona.

The 28-year-old has been one of the most influential players for Hansi Flick’s side at the start of the season, making the results of the tests especially important for the Catalan club.