The sight of Raphinha limping off before half-time during Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti on June 19 sent a ripple of anxiety through the Selecao camp. He had been their best player in the opening two matches of this World Cup — creative, direct, and causing problems every time he touched the ball. Losing him before the tournament really starts would be a significant blow to a side that has already been through early turbulence.
The injury and the initial reaction
Raphinha appeared to pull up suddenly and was substituted before the 45-minute mark, replaced by teenager Rayan from Bournemouth. The early images were not encouraging. A visibly disappointed Raphinha sat on the bench in the second half while Brazil scored three without him — but the manner of his exit, grabbing at the back of his leg, suggested something in the hamstring area.
The positive update came within 24 hours. Scans returned results that the Brazilian Football Confederation described as encouraging, with the expectation now that Raphinha will not need to leave the squad. The exact timeline for his return to training has not been confirmed, but the mood around the camp has shifted from concern to cautious optimism.
What Brazil lose without him
Vinicius Junior scored again against Haiti, and Matheus Cunha netted twice — Brazil do not lack for attackers. But Raphinha brings something specific to this team that the others don't quite replicate. He is the player who holds the right side, who creates overloads, who tracks back and actually defends. Without him, Brazil's right flank becomes a question mark.
The Barcelona winger has been in the best form of his career over the last 18 months. He came to this World Cup having helped Barcelona win La Liga and having been arguably the most important player in that title run — not just by goals but by the way he set the tempo and connected the attack. That form carried into the group stage in the United States, and losing it even briefly would matter.
The bigger context for Brazil
Brazil began this World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Morocco — a result that felt flat and a little alarming given the expectations placed on Dorival Junior's squad. The 3-0 win over Haiti steadied the ship considerably, but Brazil still need to confirm they are genuine contenders rather than tournament furniture.
Raphinha's fitness heading into the knockout stage will be one of the key stories in the next week. If the scans are as positive as reported, there is every chance he plays a full part. If there's a setback, Brazil will have to rethink how they attack — and the pressure on Vinicius to carry the creative load alone will grow considerably.
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