Raphinha moves up surgery, assures presence in Brazil's friendlies

Raphinha moves up his surgery to be available for the Brazil national team in the friendlies against Japan and Singapore.

The Barcelona captain underwent the operation after the Clasico against Real Madrid in La Liga in October, removing a painful cyst from his ear.

According to a Globo report, the procedure took place on October 26 after a blow that caused a wound and intense inflammation.

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 08: Raphinha watched the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitan.

Surgical decision and technical support

The club had expected him to wait for the international break, which would have caused him to miss Brazil's friendlies, but the player moved up the operation in November in Spain to be available for the national team.

Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff praised the decision, even though it went against Barcelona's wishes, so that he could play during the international break.

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

Raphinha missed some training sessions after the procedure, but did not feature in matches for Barcelona.

He returned to the starting eleven in the victory over Alavés, wearing a protective headband and scoring two goals in the 6‑1 thrashing.

The Brazilian also featured in Barcelona's wins over Aston Villa in the Champions League and against Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Since then he traveled to the Far East to join the Brazil national team and play the friendlies against Japan and Singapore.

Barcelona is aligned with Brazil in managing his minutes during the international break, after noting that the captain returned injured last time.

Raphinha has said he spoke with Carlo Ancelotti about his playing time and has assured fans that there is no cause for concern.