Brazil's Raphinha ruled out of World Cup knockout match against Japan

Barcelona forward Raphinha will miss Brazil's first knockout match of the FIFA World Cup after sustaining a thigh injury in the group‑stage game against Haiti. He is staying at the team's training centre in New Jersey to continue his rehabilitation and hopes to be fit for a possible round‑of‑16 match if Brazil defeats Japan.

Brazil topped Group 3 with seven points, while Japan finished second in Group 6 behind the Netherlands. The missing striker was expected to travel with the squad to Houston, United States, for the Monday encounter with Japan.

The Brazilian medical staff estimates a ten‑day recovery period, but Raphinha has not begun intensive training, making his participation in the upcoming match unlikely.