Raphinha Races Against Time for Brazil Knockout Run
Brazil’s Raphinha targets a July 5 comeback as the Seleção count the cost of a hamstring scare against Haiti.
Eyes on July 5 Comeback
Raphinha’s World Cup is hanging in the balance after Brazil’s superstar winger was forced off in the 40th minute of the Seleção’s 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia. Scans confirmed a hamstring tear in his right thigh — the same area that sidelined him for five weeks in March. Brazil’s medical team has set July 5 as a target return date, just in time for a potential Round of 16 clash — if Brazil advance.
Carlo Ancelotti’s camp has not ruled Raphinha out of the tournament entirely. Working in intensive daily treatment, the Barcelona forward is targeting the last-16 fixture, scheduled for July 5 if Brazil top Group C. That means he will miss the group finale against Scotland on June 24 as well as any Round of 32 opener on June 29. Every day of recovery counts.
Rodrygo Out, Squad Tested to the Limit
Brazil’s injury headaches don’t stop at Raphinha. Rodrygo was ruled out even before a ball was kicked, leaving Ancelotti leaning on Rayan, Endrick and a reshuffled attack. Yet the Seleção have hardly looked blunt — their 3-0 thrashing of Haiti showed why many still rate them among the favourites. The real test comes when the knockout rounds demand moments of individual genius from the very players sitting in the treatment room.
If Raphinha makes it back for July 5, Brazil’s firepower could prove decisive in a tight Round of 16. For now, the Seleção must trust the depth of a squad assembled to go the distance — with or without their most electric forward on the flank.
