Brazil is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with a tour in Asia that includes friendly matches against South Korea and Japan. A notable absence from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is star winger Raphinha.
Raphinha will miss these friendlies due to a hamstring injury he sustained in his right thigh while playing for Barcelona against Real Oviedo.
Barcelona’s medical team indicates he will be out for about three weeks. He has already missed games against PSG in the Champions League and Sevilla in LaLiga, alongside the friendly matches for Brazil and Barcelona’s match against Girona on October 18.
Raphinha is not the only important player missing for Brazil. Team captain Marquinhos is also injured, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is unavailable. Ancelotti has confirmed that Bento will start in goal against South Korea, and Hugo Souza will debut internationally against Japan.
Raphinha during his last game with Barcelona against Real Oviedo. (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Brazil roster for international friendlies
Even with the absences of Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, and Raphinha, Ancelotti will be happy to have Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Eder Militao back from injuries after missing previous matches for Brazil.
- Goalkeepers: Bento (Al Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
- Defenders: Caio Henrique (Monaco), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Lucas Beraldo (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).
- Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).
- Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid).