Raphinha leaves Brazil squad with thigh injury as Ancelotti backs Vinicius

Raphinha has withdrawn from Brazil's squad due to a thigh injury, with Carlo Ancelotti backing Vinicius Junior to carry the Selecao's attacking hopes ahead of Saturday's meeting with India. 

Raphinha was substituted at half-time during Tuesday's 4-2 win over Australia after complaining of discomfort, having scored Brazil's second goal from the penalty spot.

After second-half strikes from Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius secured Brazil's first win since the World Cup, Ancelotti did not comment on the severity of Raphinha's injury.

But the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has now confirmed the Barcelona forward sustained a "small muscle edema in the posterior region of the right thigh".

That will be a concern for the LaLiga champions, who have huge games against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid coming up in the next month, while Brazil have decided against calling up a replacement for Saturday's friendly in Kolkata.

In Raphinha's absence, Vinicius – who was also on target from the penalty spot on Tuesday – could play an even greater role.

And though Vinicius has endured a slow start to the club season, only scoring once in eight outings for Madrid, he retains Ancelotti's full backing.

"I know Vini very well. For me, he is a fundamental player for Brazil and he has been throughout my career, and he will continue to be a key player for Brazil in the future," Ancelotti said. 

"It is true that he is not in his best moment, nor at his best level, but even so, he can make the difference, and that is what he did. 

"I decided that he deserved to take [Brazil's second penalty] because he deserved to score a goal. Personally, I will be very patient, because he deserves this patience."