Brazil picked up its first win in World Cup action, defeating Haiti 3-0 in Group C, but lost star player Raphinha to a concerning injury before the match was decided.
His injury occurred just before halftime of the match, when he fell onto the pitch and immediately began grabbing at the back of his right leg. After medical personnel checked on him, they determined he was unable to continue playing and left the game.
Bournemouth’s Rayan replaced Raphinha in the game, who remained on his team’s bench after his injury.
According to the Brazil national team’s statement, he is dealing with pain in his right hamstring but “has begun treatment and will be re-evaluated.”
“We will provide update as soon as more information becomes available,” the team said in their statement.
“Raphinha will be evaluated tomorrow, right now we don’t know what happened,” head coach Carlo Ancelotti also said after the match, per The Standard. “I put Rayan in because he showed good quality, he has a different profile from Raphinha, probably, it’s small details that determine the entry of one player or another. It’s all about small details.”
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While his injury status is currently in doubt for the team’s next game against Scotland, they received good news on their other star player, Neymar, who is set to be called up.
“Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then Sunday back training with the team and then called up against Scotland”, announces Carlo Ancelotti after Brazil win against Haiti,” Ancelotti said, per Fabrizio Romano.
Neymar missed his team’s first two games, including a draw against Morocco last week. The 34-year-old’s return will certainly provide a significant boost at a much-needed time as Brazil attempts to qualify for the knockout stage.
He’s appearing at his fourth career World Cup, having racked up eight goals and four assists during his previous appearances. His country’s best finish was the semifinals, which could have been much more.
While Neymar started the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he was lost in the quarterfinals to a fractured vertebra, putting him out for the next match. However, this 2026 edition provides him a chance at redemption, with hopes that he’ll be able to participate up to his standards, and that the team might see Raphinha return.
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