Raphinha says Ancelotti must manage his minutes to avoid injury

Raphinha says Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti understands the need to carefully manage his playing time as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Barcelona captain has been called up for Brazil’s upcoming international friendlies against Japan and Singapore.

“Ancelotti, as a manager, knows he has to rotate the players and distribute the minutes,” Raphinha told reporters. “He understands that suffering an injury would also be a complicated situation for the Brazil national team.”

Brazil announced their squad with Raphinha included, while Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that the 28-year-old had extended his contract with the club until 2030.

“He knows how to manage playing time. We have spoken together and he knows I am in the recovery phase of my injury,” added Raphinha.

“I am fine, but I am not yet at 100%. Barcelona fans should not be worried because I am taking good care of myself.”

Raphinha will remain with Barcelona for a further three and a half seasons.

He has been in impressive form for the club, scoring 15 goals in La Liga and four in the Champions League.

The Brazil international has made 190 appearances for Barcelona, placing him fourth in the list of the club’s most-used Brazilian players of all time.

He is also fourth among Brazilian goalscorers for Barcelona, with 94 goals.