Next month will see a number of Barcelona’s players jet out to compete for their national teams during the first international break of the 2023–2024 season, which means that the Catalan club can expect to miss out on some of their best players.

Raphinha, a winger for the team, did not make the cut for the Brazil squad that was selected by new manager Fernando Diniz, thus it looked that he remained with the club while the rest of the team was away for the international break.

The terrible injury suffered by Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr., which is expected to keep him out of action for a period of six weeks, has opened the door for Raphinha to be included in Brazil’s national team.

In point of fact, the 26-year-old player, who has been recently connected with a transfer to Chelsea, will now be included on the roster of the Selecao, which is scheduled to compete against Bolivia and Peru in FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches the following month.

In an official statement, the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) wrote: “Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr has been left out of the senior Brazil squad.” This statement confirmed what had already been reported. Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, the team physician for the national team, got in touch with the medical department of Real Madrid, and they forwarded him the test report.

Raphinha was inserted into the lineup as a replacement for Vinicius Jr. by FC Barcelona head coach Fernando Diniz.

In his career with the Brazilian national team, Raphinha has made a total of 16 appearances, during which time he has tallied five goals.

But the 26-year-old player was not included in the group that competed in the friendly matches back in March because of his terrible performance in the FIFA World Cup last year.

Raphinha, who was not called up this time either, has now been given a chance due to Vinicius’ injury, and he needs to make the most of it in order to work his way back into the Selecao camp as a regular player.