Reports: Barcelona and Brazil coordinate to limit Raphinha’s minutes
Brazilian media reports say Barcelona and the Brazilian Football Confederation are coordinating to manage Raphinha’s minutes during the international break, aiming for him to return to the club in good physical condition and reducing the likelihood of further muscle injuries.
According to the reports, the plan covers the two friendlies against Japan and Singapore on 14 and 17 November, respectively, while monitoring the player’s physical workload. This comes amid Barcelona’s concerns about a recurrence of his injuries; the reports indicate that he has previously suffered three muscle injuries while playing for the national team.
His most recent injury mentioned dates back to September, when he left the friendly against Australia at half-time because of pain in his right hamstring. Tests showed a slight muscle oedema, according to Spanish medical and media sources, and the Brazilian federation excused him from the match against India and allowed him to return to Barcelona to begin a treatment and rehabilitation programme.
Raphinha’s comments about balancing his minutes with the national team drew criticism in Brazil, with some fans accusing him of putting his club’s interests ahead of his national duty. The player had asked coach Carlo Ancelotti to be cautious with his appearances and said he trusted his ability to manage the situation after an earlier conversation between them about maintaining fitness and avoiding overexertion.
At Barcelona, Raphinha has not completed any of the last six matches in which he has played since returning from injury, as part of a rotation policy adopted by coach Hansi Flick. The player scored three goals in those matches, while the statistics cited in the source say he has scored 19 goals and provided three assists in 14 official matches this season, across La Liga and the Champions League.