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International football fans expecting to see FC Barcelona star Raphinha in action against India will have to adjust their expectations. The 29-year-old winger has been officially ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming historic FIFA friendly match against India, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Raphinha sustained a right thigh injury during Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane, forcing the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to release him from the national squad to return to Spain for immediate treatment.
This match marks the first senior international meeting between India and Brazil, making it a landmark occasion for Asian football. Despite the disappointment of missing one of Barcelona’s most influential attackers, local supporters in Kolkata will still witness a star-studded Seleção side featuring world-class players such as Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes, and Marquinhos. Here is a detailed overview of Raphinha’s injury status, CBF statements, and official global broadcast details.
Raphinha’s injury occurred during Brazil’s international friendly against Australia in Brisbane. The Barcelona forward started the match and capped off an energetic first-half performance by scoring Brazil’s second goal from the penalty spot. However, he experienced discomfort in his right leg and was substituted at half-time as a precautionary measure.
Subsequent medical examinations and imaging scans conducted by the Brazilian medical team confirmed a small muscle edema in the posterior region of his right thigh. Given Raphinha’s recent history with muscle strains in the same area, the CBF medical department decided against risking the forward for the journey to Kolkata.
Key aspects of Raphinha’s injury and squad release include:
While Raphinha’s absence removes a marquee player from the Kolkata clash, Brazil’s squad remains exceptionally formidable for this landmark international fixture.
| Key Match & Player Feature | Details / Information |
| Player Name | Raphinha (FC Barcelona) |
| Injury Details | Small muscle edema in right thigh |
| Fixture Missed | India vs Brazil (Historic FIFA Friendly) |
| Match Date & Venue | October 3, 2026 | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India |
| Match Status | Ruled out (Returned to Barcelona) |
| Brazil Replacement | None called up to the squad |
| Remaining Brazil Stars | Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes, Marquinhos |
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A: Raphinha was ruled out after suffering a small muscle edema in his right thigh during Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane.
A: The historic friendly takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India.
A: No, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that no replacement player will be called up to the squad.
A: Yes, Brazil’s traveling squad features prominent international stars including Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes, and Marquinhos.
A: Fans can follow live international football streams on the Sports Live Hub (SLH) platform and official regional broadcast networks.
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