Barcelona Wants No More Injury Scares with Raphinha and Reaches Deal with Brazil

Barcelona Wants to Keep Raphinha Fit

Barcelona is determined to prevent Raphinha from suffering another injury while on international duty with Brazil. After several muscle problems linked to his recent national team appearances, the Catalan club has reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to carefully manage the winger's playing time.

According to Globo Esporte, both parties have been in contact to reduce the risks during Carlo Ancelotti's upcoming friendlies against Japan and Singapore. Raphinha has already joined the national team in Asia, embarking on another lengthy trip away from Barcelona.

There is good reason for the concern. Raphinha has experienced three physical setbacks during his recent international commitments, and although he has regained his importance in Hansi Flick's team, he is still working his way back to full fitness.

Raphinha's Injury History Worries Barcelona

The most recent setback came in September during a friendly against Australia. Raphinha experienced discomfort in his right thigh and was substituted at halftime. Subsequent medical tests revealed muscle swelling, forcing him to return to Barcelona earlier than expected.

The Brazilian had also suffered physical problems during the March friendly against France and at the 2026 World Cup. Those recurring issues have raised concerns within Barcelona's coaching staff, particularly because some have affected the same muscle area.

His injuries have already forced him to miss important matches for the Catalan club, including fixtures against Getafe and Galatasaray. Barcelona is therefore determined to minimize the risk of another setback.

Ancelotti Agrees to Manage Raphinha's Minutes

Raphinha recently confirmed that he had spoken with Carlo Ancelotti about his fitness and the need to manage his workload during the international break.

"I'm feeling very good, but I'm not at 100 percent," the winger admitted during a press conference. He also explained that the Brazil coach understands his physical condition and the importance of limiting his playing time to avoid further problems.

Hansi Flick had already publicly expressed concern about the demands placed on Raphinha. The German coach acknowledged that he would welcome Brazil managing the winger's minutes, especially after the injuries he suffered during previous international breaks.

Barcelona and Brazil Reach an Agreement

Brazil will face Japan on November 14 and Singapore on November 17, with both friendlies scheduled to take place at Singapore's National Stadium. With no competitive points at stake, Ancelotti will have the flexibility to manage Raphinha's involvement without placing him under unnecessary physical strain.

The winger joins Brazil after playing the full 90 minutes in Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Atlético de Madrid, his first complete match since suffering an injury during the previous international break.

Although neither side has confirmed exactly how many minutes Raphinha will play, the objective is clear: ensure he returns to Spain in good condition. The Brazilian has been one of Barcelona's most important attacking players, and Flick is determined to avoid losing him again during a crucial stage of the season.

Key Details of the Raphinha Agreement

• Injury prevention: Barcelona and Brazil will coordinate the winger's playing time to reduce the risk of another setback.
• Recent injuries: Raphinha has experienced several muscle problems during recent international commitments.
• Upcoming friendlies: Brazil will face Japan and Singapore on November 14 and 17, with Ancelotti closely monitoring the player's fitness.

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