Barcelona midfielder Raphinha has been sent home from Brazil duty after tests showed a thigh problem, although examinations have ruled out a major muscle rupture.

The forward was replaced at half-time in Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia on Tuesday after reporting discomfort in his right thigh. Raphinha had started the match and scored from the penalty spot before being replaced by Endrick.

Further checks found a small amount of muscle oedema, as well as swelling and fluid around the affected area. Brazil have therefore decided not to risk Raphinha in their next fixture and have released him from the squad.

He will miss the friendly against India and is expected to return to Barcelona, where the club’s medical team will assess the injury and manage his recovery. Barcelona are already in contact with the CBF and will carry out more examinations once the player is back in Spain.

The absence of a serious tear will be encouraging for Barcelona, but Raphinha’s previous injury problems mean the latest setback remains a concern. He spent a significant period out last season after suffering several issues with his right thigh.

The club’s immediate priority will be to establish how quickly he can recover and whether an early return could cause the problem to worsen. Brazil’s decision to send him back also allows Barcelona to oversee his rehabilitation directly instead of leaving him with the national team for another match.

The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Raphinha, who has been among Barcelona’s most effective attacking players this season. He has scored 12 domestic league goals and also struck twice in the Champions League against Feyenoord.

His form has made him an important part of Hansi Flick’s attacking plans, meaning his availability will be closely monitored over the coming days.

Barcelona are dealing with another injury concern from the international break after Eric Garcia withdrew from Spain’s squad because of knee discomfort.

The Catalan club will not return to competitive action until their La Liga match against Getafe on October 10, giving Raphinha time to recover. However, whether he is fit to play in that fixture will depend on how his thigh responds.

Barcelona have avoided the most serious outcome, but Raphinha’s withdrawal adds to Flick’s injury concerns rather than providing a clear resolution.