Barcelona and Brazil agree plan to manage Raphinha’s minutes on international duty

Barcelona and the Brazilian Football Confederation are coordinating a plan to limit Raphinha’s playing time during Brazil’s upcoming friendlies, with the aim of preventing another injury to the winger.

The Barcelona forward has been called up for Brazil’s matches against Japan and Singapore on 14 and 17 November. Both games will be played at the Singapore National Stadium and represent Raphinha’s first appearances for the Selecao during the current international break.

Raphinha’s return is a boost for Brazil as they welcome back one of their key attacking players. However, his involvement has also caused concern at Barcelona after a difficult 2026 physically, during which he suffered three muscle injuries while playing for his country.

Brazilian outlet Globo reported that Barcelona and the Brazilian Football Confederation “are working together to manage his playing time to ensure Raphinha returns at full fitness and reduce the risk of him suffering a third consecutive injury while representing his country”.

The latest setback came in September during a friendly against Australia. Raphinha was forced to leave the pitch at half-time after experiencing pain in the back of his right thigh.

Subsequent medical examinations found a minor muscle oedema. The Brazilian Football Confederation then left him out of the squad for the match against India and helped arrange his return to Barcelona to continue his recovery.

Raphinha is now back with Brazil under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, but the circumstances surrounding his return have prompted all parties to take a cautious approach. His workload in Asia is expected to be managed carefully, with each minute on the pitch considered as part of a plan designed to ensure he returns to Catalonia fit and ready to continue the season.

The priority for both Barcelona and Brazil is to avoid another setback after his previous injuries with the national team. Every decision over his involvement in the two friendlies will therefore be based on protecting his fitness rather than maximising his time on the field.