According to Mundo Deportivo, Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to field Barcelona forward Raphinha in the No. 9 position ahead of Endrick in the second friendly match against Australia in Brisbane.

In the first goalless friendly between Brazil and Australia last Friday, Raphinha was the only attacking player to complete the full 90 minutes. For Ancelotti, however, this tour of Australia is no mere warm-up. The coach, who took over Brazil's national team following his second stint at Real Madrid, has made the Barcelona forward one of the team's most important assets, raising concerns at Barcelona about his potential fatigue.

In the second friendly against Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday, Ancelotti appears unwilling to give Raphinha a rest. He is considering playing Raphinha instead of Endrick as the No. 9. Ancelotti's approach mirrors Hansi Flick's at Barcelona, who has deployed Raphinha as a core attacking threat since the start of the season, with remarkable results: 14 goals in 8 matches.

In the first match in Townsville, Real Madrid's Vinícius and Endrick were both substituted in the 65th minute, while Chelsea's Estêvão left the field in the 76th minute, as Ancelotti kept Raphinha on throughout the match. The setup paid off, as Raphinha's corner kick in the 85th minute led to Yan's goal, preventing a defeat.

According to Brazilian media reports, Raphinha, Vinícius, and Bruno Guimarães are the only players guaranteed to remain starters. Ancelotti, who faced criticism after Brazil's elimination by Norway in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, has a contract with Brazil through 2026. He is demanding a response from his team following the draw against Australia. Brazil will next face India in Kolkata on Saturday, October 3, with Raphinha expected to be a major draw for local fans. Meanwhile, Barcelona is concerned about the demanding October schedule ahead, which includes difficult matches against Getafe, Galatasaray, Betis, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.

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