Barcelona and Brazil limit Raphinha's minutes to avoid another injury

While Barcelona is concerned about Raphinha's physical integrity, the Brazilian national team is preparing to face Japan in Singapore, and both have agreed to manage the striker's minutes to avoid a new injury record. The forward is already in the country under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.

Barcelona and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have reached an understanding to manage Raphinha's playing minutes during the national team's upcoming fixtures in Asia. After a total travel of about 22,000 kilometres, the Catalan setup expressed deep concern for the physical integrity of its captain, who has 19 goals this season, 15 of which in La Liga.

Long journey generates concern

Brazilian media confirmed direct contacts between both entities to protect the player: “The Spanish club and the CBF are aligned in managing the minutes so that Raphinha returns fit and minimizes the risk of a third consecutive injury while representing the country,” details the newspaper Globo Esporte. The preventive care carries double weight given the recent history of the winger in national team service.

Raphinha ended the March match against France injured, missing the Champions League quarter‑finals with Atlético de Madrid. In the previous break, he returned earlier from Australia with a right‑thigh swelling that kept him out of the games against Getafe and Galatasaray.