Brazil's Raphinha limped off the field with a thigh injury during the game against Haiti. | Photo Credit: AP

Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday came with ​a painful sting as Barcelona forward Raphinha limped off ‌in the first half with another thigh ​injury, but the national team remain ⁠hopeful he can stay with the squad and return later in the World Cup.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed ‌on Saturday that the winger had suffered a muscle injury, although it gave ‌no timeline for his return.

A source close ‌to ⁠the team told Reuters that the outlook ⁠was optimistic.

“On Saturday, Raphinha underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh,” ​the CBF said ‌in a statement.

“The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, monitored by the Brazilian national team’s medical staff, with the aim of facilitating his ‌recovery and return to action as soon ​as possible.”

ALSO READ | Will 46-year-old Ronaldinho play for Ravenna?

The injury is Raphinha’s fourth hamstring problem in the past year. He ⁠sat out 23 matches at Barcelona last season.

His previous setback came while playing for Brazil against ‌France in a friendly during the March international window, sidelining him for more than a month.

Brazil’s players have rallied around the 29-year-old, with midfielder Lucas Paqueta saying they were hoping for positive news.

“He’s a little downcast; we hope it’s nothing ‌too serious, that it’s the least worst-case scenario, because ​he’s a very important player, and we rely on him a lot,” Paqueta told ⁠reporters.

Raphinha was replaced by winger Rayan against Haiti.

Brazil closes its Group C campaign against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday. It leads the section ‌with four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference, with Scotland third on three ​and Haiti eliminated after two defeats.

Published on Jun 21, 2026