Raphinha injury prompts Barcelona journalist to criticise Brazil manager Ancelotti

Raphinha was substituted at half-time during Brazil’s match against Australia after reporting pain in his right thigh, prompting a pointed reaction from Barcelona-focused journalist Alfredo Martinez.

The Barcelona forward had been under close observation from his club during the international break, with concerns over his involvement for Brazil before the match began.

Martinez, a prominent Spanish journalist who regularly covers Barcelona and comments on the club’s matches for Onda Cero, reacted on X after Raphinha was taken off in front of Carlo Ancelotti, the former Real Madrid manager and current Brazil manager.

‘Another big favour from Ancelotti’

“Raphinha appears to have been substituted because of thigh pain in Brazil’s match. Another big favour from Ancelotti… they never learn,” Martinez wrote.

The reference to “another big favour” was a sarcastic suggestion that Raphinha’s absence from Barcelona would benefit Real Madrid. Ancelotti managed Real Madrid during two spells and won several trophies with the club before moving into his current role with Brazil.

Martinez’s comments reflected his close association with Barcelona coverage. Raphinha has become one of the team’s most important attacking players at the start of the season, and the possibility of him missing matches is a significant concern for Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.

Barcelona fears realised

Barcelona had already been worried about the possibility of Raphinha picking up an injury while away with Brazil. Those concerns were linked in particular to previous issues experienced by the player during periods with the national team, meaning the club monitored his involvement from the moment he joined Brazil’s camp.

The club’s concerns were not limited to the length of the journey or the intensity of the schedule. Barcelona was also watching how many minutes Raphinha would play, given his importance to the side this season.

Those fears materialised when he was unable to continue against Australia because of pain in his thigh. Raphinha had started the season in exceptional form and established himself as one of Flick’s key attacking options, contributing through his goalscoring, chance creation and ability to operate in several positions across the front line.

He scored Brazil’s goal from the penalty spot before being replaced, but did not return for the start of the second half. Endrick came on in his place.