Forty minutes into Brazil's World Cup clash with Haiti, Raphinha pulled up with a non-contact injury. The winger was forced to leave the match with Brazil up 2-0 and was replaced by Rayan. For Raphinha, it is yet another injury that disrupts his season, as the Brazilian has been repeatedly sidelined with hamstring problems.
It looked as if Raphinha had opened the scoring after just twelve minutes with a curling finish past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, but the goal was ruled back as offside. Brazil went ahead regardless when Manchester United's Matheus Cunha scored ten minutes later. In the 36th minute, Cunha scored again to double Brazil's lead; shortly after, Raphinha went down injured and walked off the pitch.
Raphinha has been troubled with hamstring injuries all season, limiting his impact with the club. In his first season under Hansi Flick, Raphinha played 57 games in all competitions, recording 56 goal contributions. This season, he managed just 33 games, although he still performed at a high level and recorded 28 goal contributions. He was absent in both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals, where Barcelona fell just short in their comeback attempt against Atlético Madrid.
At the moment, it is unclear how long Raphinha will be sidelined. With Brazil two goals up against underdogs Haiti, it is possible that he was removed merely as a precaution, as Brazil saves the star for more important games. However, if it is a hamstring injury once again, it could mean the end of the World Cup for the 29-year-old.
The injury comes as a massive blow for both Raphinha and Brazil, as the winger formed a key part of Carlo Ancelotti's attack this summer, although he has yet to show his best form. The Brazilians were already missing legend Neymar Jr., who has been sidelined so far with injury problems of his own. Now in Raphinha's absence, 19-year-old Bournemouth star Rayan will step in.
Raphinha has recently been linked with a potentially lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, although Barcelona are not interested in selling. The club may be forced to reconsider if injuries continue to be a problem for the winger, although Flick will certainly be hoping that Raphinha's injury is nothing serious.
Brazil ultimately held on to win 3-0 over Haiti, with Vinicius Jr. scoring the final goal right before the half. The team currently sits first in Group C with four points and faces Scotland on Wednesday in Miami.
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