Vinícius Júnior expresses concern over Raphinha injury: 'Same as last time'
Vinícius Júnior voiced concern regarding Raphinha's injury during the match against Haiti, fearing it is a recurrence of a previous muscle issue.
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Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti in the World Cup group stage was marked by a concerning setback. Forward Raphinha was forced to leave the pitch in the 37th minute after suffering pain in his right hamstring.
Speaking after the match, Vinícius Júnior, who delivered a standout performance, shared his apprehension regarding his teammate's condition:
"It's a shame that Rapha had to come off injured. I think it's the same one as last time. I hope it's not serious so he can continue with us."
The "last time" reference points to an incident in March, when the winger suffered a femoral biceps injury in the same leg during a friendly against France, leading to a five-week layoff that forced him to miss Barcelona's crucial Champions League quarter-finals. Furthermore, he missed 58 days between September and November 2025 due to a severe muscle injury in the same area.
The situation presents a delicate challenge for head coach Carlo Ancelotti. With the tournament already underway, Brazil cannot call up a replacement. The coaching staff will have to rely on younger alternatives such as Rayan, Luiz Henrique, Martinelli, or potentially Endrick to cover the right side if the medical results confirm the player's unavailability.
Despite the concern over Raphinha, the night was a showcase for Vinícius Júnior, who scored and surpassed Ronaldinho Gaúcho's World Cup goal tally. Brazil currently leads Group C with 4 points and will face Scotland on June 24 to decide the top spot. Raphinha is scheduled to undergo imaging tests this Saturday to determine his availability for the decisive clash.