By Ruairidh Barlow, Reuters.
Raphinha left the Brazil national team squad on Wednesday as a precaution due to swelling in his right thigh, the Brazilian Football Confederation said.
The 29-year-old was substituted at halftime during his side’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia on Tuesday, sparking concern in Barcelona-based media that they may be about to lose a key player to injury.
Raphinha was limited to 33 club appearances last season due to fitness issues and missed four games in April because of a hamstring problem in the same leg, which he also sustained while on international duty.
Meanwhile Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio will undergo surgery on a stress fracture in his right shin, the Spanish club said on Wednesday.