Brazil keep Raphinha with squad despite Japan red card

Brazil will not allow Raphinha to leave their training camp and return to Barcelona after he was sent off during the 3-2 friendly defeat by Japan.

Brazilian Football Confederation executive director Rodrigo Caetano confirmed that the Barcelona forward would remain with the national team, despite being suspended for their next match against Singapore.

“Raphinha will not leave the Brazil camp and return to Barcelona despite receiving a red card against Japan and missing the next match against Singapore,” Caetano told El Chiringuito.

“He is one of the team’s leaders and his presence is important for the Brazil camp.”

Raphinha was dismissed from the substitutes’ bench during the match, along with Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, after they protested against the referee’s decisions.

The red card means Raphinha will serve a one-match suspension and will miss Brazil’s friendly against Singapore on Tuesday.