- Brazil beat Australia 4-2 in a friendly in Brisbane on Tuesday, with Vinicius Jr contributing to the third goal and scoring a penalty for the fourth
- Carlo Ancelotti said Vinicius Jr was not at his best at the start of the season, but insisted he remained a key player for Brazil
- Raphinha was substituted at half-time against Australia, will miss the upcoming friendly against India on Saturday, and is set to return to Barcelona
Vinicius Jr Receives Public Backing After Difficult Start
Carlo Ancelotti has defended Vinicius Jr after a testing opening to the season, arguing that the Real Madrid forward still has the ability to influence matches even when short of peak form.
Vinicius has scored just one goal in eight appearances across all competitions this season for Real Madrid, who are fourth in the LaLiga standings with 15 points. Even so, the 26-year-old produced decisive moments for Brazil in their 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday, helping create the third goal before scoring from the penalty spot for the fourth.
“I know Vini very well. To me, he is a key player for the national team – a key player for Brazil – and he was a key player in my own footballing journey,” said Ancelotti, who also coached Vinicius when he was in charge of Real Madrid.
“He is a key player for the future. Is he at his best right now? No, he isn’t, but it is the start of the season. And Vini, always, even when he isn’t at his best, he can still make the difference, just as he did today.
“The goal that really opened up the game was thanks to him. So, I’m going to be very patient, because he deserves that patience.”
🚨🚨 MAJOR BREAKING: Raphinha is LEAVING the Brazilian NT camp… He will NOT play in the friendly vs. India.
Right now, no risks will be taken. Raphinha is RETURNING to Barcelona.
Medical tests confirmed that the player has avoided a muscle injury, although a small amount of… pic.twitter.com/V3jnavfUVp
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 30, 2026
Barcelona Concerned After Raphinha Injury Scare
Barcelona were left worried during the same international break after Raphinha sustained an injury against Australia and was taken off at half-time. The substitution immediately raised concerns that the issue could be serious, although the player has indicated that there is nothing major regarding his fitness.
Raphinha will not be involved in Brazil’s upcoming friendly against India, and he is now set to return to Barcelona. His absence from the trip to Kolkata could benefit the Catalan club, given their concerns over his workload and fitness.
According to El Chiringuito, there is significant anger within the Barcelona camp over Ancelotti’s handling of Raphinha. The Barcelona forward played the full ninety minutes in the first friendly against Australia, and Ancelotti then selected him to start again in the second friendly.
Ancelotti’s Post-Match Focus Adds to Barcelona Frustration
Barcelona also had another reason to be frustrated after Ancelotti did not mention Raphinha’s injury during his post-match briefing. Instead, he focused on praising Vinicius Jr following Brazil’s victory.
For Barcelona, the fitness of Raphinha is especially important because he has been central to their strong campaign so far. The forward has produced 14 goals in all competitions this season, and his presence is considered key as the Catalans aim to continue their flawless start and extend their lead at the top of the league table.
