Brazil releases Raphinha after right thigh scan finding

Brazil has released Raphinha from its national squad after scans found a small muscle edema in the back of his right thigh, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Wednesday. The decision was precautionary, and Brazil will not call up a replacement for its friendly against India. The Barcelona forward was substituted at halftime of Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia on Tuesday after reporting discomfort in his right thigh. He had scored from the penalty spot before leaving the match. The confederation said imaging tests showed the muscle edema and that releasing him was intended to support his recovery. Brazil is scheduled to play India on October 3 in Kolkata, its final match of the international break. Raphinha will not be part of the squad for that game. The confederation’s announcement establishes his release from the team but does not give a recovery timetable or say how long he may be unavailable to Barcelona. One report said Raphinha was expected to undergo further tests in Spain after returning to his club, but no results from those tests were provided. The available information also does not establish when he will resume playing.