Barcelona and Brazil star Raphinha to undergo tests today after sustaining injury in defeat to France

Raphinha is a major player for Barcelona

Barcelona and Brazil star Raphinha to undergo tests today after sustaining injury in defeat to France

Raphinha will undergo tests today to discover the severity of the thigh injury he suffered playing for Brazil against France last night.

The Barcelona winger failed to appear for the second half of the 2-1 defeat to Les Bleus in Foxboro in what will be a concerning development for the Catalan club as they chase silverware in La Liga and Champions League.

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said: “Raphinha played very well, then he had a problem at the end of the first half and we had to change it. He was a little worried by a muscle injury and I think they are going to evaluate him tomorrow.”

Barcelona hero Raphinha

The 29-year-old has had a stop-start season with Barca due to various injuries but has still contributed 19 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

It is unlikely he will be risked in Brazil’s second game of this international break, against Croatia on Tuesday, and Barca will hope he is fit and available for their trip to Atletico Madrid on April 4.

Raphinha and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr came into the France game on top form but struggled to make much of an impact. It is now four games on the trot that neither man has scored for their country.

Despite that, Ancelotti is not too concerned, adding: “Raphinha had good movements without the ball and Vini is always dangerous. I’m satisfied with the game because the team competed, fought with good moves… We don’t have to be happy with the result.”

Ancelotti refuses to get dragged into Neymar discussion

Much of the build-up to the game centred around the absence of Neymar, who was not called up with Ancelotti still not convinced by the forward’s physical state.

There were some half-hearted chants calling for the Santos man after France went 2-0 up but Ancelotti refused to get drawn into the matter afterwards.

He said: ”We should talk about those who were here, who have played, who have given everything, who have shown their face, have worked hard and I am satisfied.”

France won the game thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike. Bremer netted for Brazil but they were unable to capitalise on the 55th minute dismissal of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano for a foul on Wesley.