Raphinha ruled out for Brazil’s friendly in India; Endrick expected to start

Raphinha will not play tonight as Brazil face India in an international friendly in India. The 29-year-old left the national team camp after being substituted in the recent match against Australia and has returned to Barcelona.

Brazil have travelled to India for the friendly under head coach Carlo Ancelotti following a pair of matches against Australia, the first ending 1-1 and the second a 4-2 win. Despite a backline that features Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair Cunha and Marquinhos, Brazil have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last four games. India, led by Khalid Jamil, settled for a 1-1 draw in their recent friendly with Panama after opening the scoring, setting up a difficult assignment for the Blue Tigers against the five-time world champions.

Raphinha was withdrawn at the end of the first half in the Australia friendly when Endrick came on, the substitution attributed to physical discomfort. After leaving Brazil’s camp he travelled back to Barcelona.

It has since been confirmed that Raphinha’s issue is not serious and he is ready to play against Getafe next week. His departure from the squad means he will not be available for the India vs Brazil international friendly.

Endrick is most likely to start as Brazil’s striker in Raphinha’s absence and might be supported in the final third by Vinicius Junior and Rayan. That selection would place Endrick at the head of Brazil’s attack for tonight’s game.

The 20-year-old Endrick has scored four goals in 23 appearances for his nation. Raphinha, at 29, has 12 goals in 43 appearances for Brazil and has scored 15 goals in total when combining his club and country figures.

With Raphinha returned to Barcelona and declared fit for the Getafe match next week, Brazil are expected to hand the attacking lead to Endrick for tonight’s international friendly in India.