Barcelona superstar determined to play again at World Cup despite unfortunate injury

Barcelona forward Raphinha has suffered a significant setback at the 2026 World Cup, but the Brazilian international is far from accepting that his tournament is over.

The 29-year-old picked up a muscle injury during Brazil’s victory over Haiti, forcing him off the pitch and immediately raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the competition. 

Subsequent medical examinations confirmed a tear in the back of his right thigh, an area that has already caused him problems on multiple occasions this season.

While the injury will keep him out of Brazil’s immediate plans, the Barcelona winger has already set a clear objective: returning in time to help the Seleção during the knockout stages.

Ruled out of Brazil’s next two World Cup matches

The injury occurred early in the second half of Brazil’s win over Haiti and became one of the biggest concerns within the national team camp.

Medical assessments revealed a tear in the back of Raphinha’s right thigh, automatically ruling him out of the final group-stage fixture against Scotland. 

Raphinha was injured vs Haiti. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The injury will also force him to miss Brazil’s first knockout match should the South Americans progress as expected.

The recovery period is expected to last at least two weeks, making those absences unavoidable.

Raphinha targeting round of 16 return

Despite the diagnosis, there is optimism within Raphinha’s camp, with SPORT reporting that the Barcelona attacker has already circled July 5 on his calendar. 

That date could coincide with Brazil’s Round of 16 fixture, provided the team advances and his rehabilitation progresses without complications.

For now, the winger has begun physiotherapy and is now working separately from the main squad alongside Brazil’s rehabilitation staff.

Raphinha could return during the Round of 16. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Every stage of the recovery programme is being designed with a potential return during the knockout rounds in mind.

One more scenario for Raphinha’s return

Furthermore, there is also an alternative scenario working in his favour. 

If additional recovery time is required and Brazil continue advancing in the competition, the quarter-finals are scheduled for July 11. 

By that point, nearly three weeks would have passed since the injury, giving him a much stronger chance of receiving medical clearance.

For now, missing the next two matches is unavoidable. However, neither Raphinha nor Brazil’s medical staff have given up hope of seeing the Barcelona star return later in the tournament.