Barcelona captain Raphinha looks set to stay with the Brazil national team for the second game of the international break despite being unavailable to play due to suspension.
The forward was sent off after Brazil’s 3-2 defeat to Japan, meaning he is banned for their next match against Singapore.
However, Rodrigo Caetano, general executive coordinator of the CBF men’s national teams, says the Barcelona captain will remain in the Far East with the Selecao.
“Raphinha is staying. In principle, he remains
with us… it doesn’t make sense [for him to leave], because he is one of our leaders,” he told reporters.
He also spoke about Carlo Ancelotti who was also sent off and will serve a touchline ban.
“Afterwards, calmly, we will sit down and see who will replace the manager in the best possible way, because we have a very qualified technical staff with many good names, among whom the tasks will be divided,” he added.
The news is unlikely to go down well in Barcelona, with the club having already been left frustrated by Raphinha returning injured from previous call-ups.
