Barcelona chief blames FIFA for Raphinha injury
Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes FIFA is to blame for Raphinha's hamstring injury, which will sideline the winger for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Raphinha sustained the issue while playing for Brazil in a friendly against France in Foxborough last week, which the Selecao lost 2-1.
It was subsequently confirmed that he will be absent for around five weeks, causing him to miss both legs of Barcelona's European tie against domestic rival Atletico Madrid.
He will also sit out several key fixtures in LaLiga, with the Blaugrana currently leading the race for the title, four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
In an interview with Mon Esport, Laporta said FIFA must prioritise elite club competitions over international friendlies.
"It's infuriating that one of your best players gets injured in a friendly between France and Brazil," Laporta said.
"You can't leave the responsibility of playing or not with the player, because they're professionals who give everything for their country, but FIFA have to come up with a calendar that has the biggest club competitions in mind.
"We're playing for our lives at this point of the season. It's shocking, but it's an age-old discussion now."
Raphinha has scored 19 goals and provided seven assists for Barca in all competitions this season, with only Lamine Yamal (21) outscoring him for Hansi Flick's side.
