Rafinha will not join the Brazilian national team’s squad in India, as discomfort he felt in his right thigh led to the decision to return to Barcelona and undergo a rehabilitation program.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder was substituted at halftime of the “Seleção’s” 4-2 victory over Australia after feeling muscle discomfort in his right leg. Examinations did not reveal any specific muscle injury, however, slight swelling was detected in the area, and the Brazilian Football Confederation decided not to take any risks.
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The decision is purely precautionary, as this is the same spot that repeatedly troubled Rafinha last season. The Brazilian had suffered four injuries to his right thigh, keeping him sidelined for a total of more than 150 days with Barcelona and the national team. Among the problems he faced was the one that arose during the match against Haiti in the second round of the World Cup.
Rafinha played an expanded role on Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad during this international break. He wore the No. 10 jersey, took over the captain’s armband in the absence of Marquinhos, and was also tasked with taking penalty kicks.
The Brazilian Football Confederation will not call up another player to replace him. The Brazilian squad has the day off on Wednesday and will hold one more training session in Brisbane before departing for India, where they will face the host national team in Kolkata on Saturday.
*photo source: AP
