Official: Barcelona winger replaces injured Real Madrid star in Brazil squad

With the first international break of the 2023/24 season just around the corner, Barcelona are set to see a host of their players fly off to represent their respective nations next month.

One player who appeared to remain at the club during the course of the international break was winger Raphinha as he did not find a place in the Brazil squad picked by new manager Fernando Diniz.

However, an unfortunate injury to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, which is set to sideline him for six weeks, has paved the way for Raphinha to be called up to the Brazil squad.

Indeed, the 26-year-old, who has recently been linked with a move to Chelsea, will now be a part of the Selecao roster that is penned to take on Bolivia and Peru next month in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Confirming the same in an official statement, the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) wrote: “Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr has been left out of the senior Brazil squad. The national team’s doctor, Dr Rodrigo Lasmar, contacted Real Madrid’s medical department, who sent him a test report.

“In Vinicius Jr’s place, coach Fernando Diniz called up FC Barcelona striker Raphinha.”

O atacante Vinicius Jr, do Real Madrid, foi desconvocado da Seleção Brasileira Principal. O médico da Seleção, Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, entrou em contato com o departamento médico do Real Madrid, que enviou o laudo dos exames.

Foi atestada a lesão muscular na região posterior da coxa… pic.twitter.com/XLqa8LMVVR

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) August 29, 2023

Raphinha, so far, has made 16 appearances for the Brazilian national team, in which he has scored five goals.

But after a disappointing run in the FIFA World Cup last year, the 26-year-old was left out of the squad for the friendly matches back in March.

Having not been called up this time as well, Raphinha has now gotten an opportunity due to Vinicius’ injury and he must capitalise on it and work his way back into the Selecao camp as a regular.