Author: Soorya G
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Tuesday that Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior has withdrawn from the first games of the CONMEBOL qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup. In his place, coach Fernando Diniz called up Raphinha, from Barcelona. According to the CBF statement, national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar contacted Real Madrid’s medical department, who provided the results of Vinicius Jr’s latest medical examinations.
The striker suffered a muscular injury to the back of his right thigh
. The recovery period is estimated at six weeks, based on the Spanish club’s assessment. The injury ruled Vinicius out of the games against Bolivia on September 8 in Belém and Peru on September 12 in Lima. The players selected for the qualifying matches will meet in the capital on Monday evening.
Raphinha returns to the Seleção after starting for Tite at the World Cup. Absent from Ramon Menezes’ two call-ups, the Barcelona striker has played 16 matches in the national team’s colors, scoring on five occasions. During the World Cup in Qatar, the Barcelona player played in all five of the national team’s games, starting in four and coming on as a substitute in the defeat to Cameroon, when Tite opted for a completely reserve team at the start. Raphinha was replaced by Antony in the second half of the game against Croatia, which led to Brazil’s elimination.
Having won the Spanish championship with Barcelona, the Brazilian made a notable contribution in the last part of the season after the World Cup. In his first year at the Catalan club, he made 50 appearances, scored ten goals and provided 12 assists. This season, Raphinha was a starter in the opening game of La Liga, but was sent off against Getafe in the 42nd minute.