Star Forward Raphinha Ruled Out of India-Brazil Friendly in Kolkata Due to Thigh Injury

Barcelona forward Raphinha has withdrawn from the Brazil squad and will miss Saturday's upcoming friendly match against India in Kolkata. The Brazilian Football Confederation reported that a medical scan revealed a small muscle issue in his right thigh, prompting team staff to send him home as a safety measure. During a recent 4-2 friendly win over Australia on Tuesday, the 29-year-old was taken off at halftime after feeling discomfort. This latest setback follows an earlier roster change that saw Chelsea player Joao Pedro drop out because of a knee injury. Raphinha previously missed four matches in April due to a hamstring problem in the same right leg while playing internationally, and fitness troubles restricted him to 33 club games during the prior season. Despite these fitness worries, he has performed very well lately, netting 14 goals and making three assists across eight matches for his club. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had him play the full ninety minutes in a 1-1 draw against Australia last Friday, where he set up Rayan's late equalising goal. Barcelona's next scheduled fixture is a home match against Getafe on October 10.

Context

This match marks a historic milestone for Indian football as they prepare to face a squad currently sitting fifth in the global FIFA rankings. While India rarely squares off against top-tier global teams in competitive fixtures, regions like Kolkata and Kerala show immense passion for the South American side during every World Cup.