Problems (Problemas) spark Barcelona‑Brazil row over Raphinha's surgery
Raphinha left the Haiti match through injury. A fresh dispute (Problems (Problemas)) flared between Barcelona and the Brazil national team (Selección), with the winger at its core. He opted for surgery after the Clásico to keep his spot on Brazil (Canarinha)’s Asian tour. The operation occurred on 26 October, right after the Clásico versus Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s board and medical staff wanted him to undergo surgery during the current FIFA window, a move that would have automatically ruled him out of Brazil’s friendlies with Singapore and Japan.
Cyst and surgery details
The cyst had developed from poor healing of a prior wound, causing severe discomfort that persisted despite his daily attempts to drain the fluid.
Despite the operation, he played the subsequent football (Futbol) matches against Alavés, Aston Villa and Atlético de Madrid, wearing a protective headband and netting four goals.
Barcelona and Brazil limit Raphinha's minutes to avoid another injury
Upon reaching Asia, Brazil’s technical staff chose to moderate his workload because of accumulated fatigue and the need to protect his left ear.
He missed pitch training on Tuesday, instead completing gym work alongside Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Magalhães and Vanderson.
He rejoined full training on Wednesday and is projected to start as striker and captain for Brazil on Saturday against Japan.