Rafinha subbed at half-time on Brazil duty

Rafinha went off at half-time in Brazil's friendly against Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday, with the CBF citing muscular discomfort.

The winger had scored from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time before Carlo Ancelotti withdrew him for the second half. Brazil went on to win 4-2.

Barcelona will watch the situation closely. Rafinha has been one of the finds of the season so far, with 14 goals in eight matches for the club, and reports before the international break had already suggested Barcelona were hoping his minutes with Brazil would be managed carefully during this squad gathering.

Some Barcelona supporters have pointed to Ancelotti's Real Madrid past on social media, noting that Vinicius Junior played only 65 minutes in Brazil's previous fixture while Rafinha played the full 90 that day before starting again against Australia. The comparison has not been confirmed as a factor in the substitution, which the CBF put down to fitness alone.

Nothing has been said yet about the extent of the issue or whether it will affect Rafinha's return to Barcelona for their next league fixture. If the discomfort proves to be more than precautionary, a side already leaning heavily on his form would have to find goals from elsewhere.