November 10
What is happening behind the scenes?
Raphinha’s return to the Brazilian national team has opened a delicate chapter for Barcelona. Press reports have revealed that the Catalan club and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have coordinated to manage the star’s playing time, aiming to prevent a new injury that could complicate plans for all parties involved.
The Barcelona winger has been called up for two friendly matches—against Japan and Singapore, scheduled for November 14 and 17 at the Singapore National Stadium—marking his first appearance for the *Seleção* during the current international break.
While Raphinha’s return is welcome news for Brazil, which regains one of its key attacking weapons, it has sparked clear concern at Barcelona. The player has endured a physically demanding period, having suffered three separate muscular injuries while on duty with the national team.
In this regard, a Brazilian media outlet reported that Barcelona and the CBF are "coordinating to manage his playing time, ensuring Raphinha returns in full fitness and minimizing the risk of a third consecutive injury while representing his country."
The most recent setback occurred last September during a friendly against Australia, when Raphinha was forced to leave the pitch at halftime after feeling pain in the back of his right thigh.
Subsequent medical examinations revealed a minor muscle edema, leading the Brazilian federation to exclude him from the squad for the match against India and facilitate his return to Barcelona for recovery. Now, with his return under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, it seems all parties have agreed that taking risks is not an option. Every minute Raphinha plays in Asia will be carefully calculated, as part of a plan primarily aimed at ensuring he returns to Catalonia in good health—ready to continue the season without any further setbacks.
