Barcelona keep Raphinha’s return under wraps ahead of medical tests

Raphinha has returned to Barcelona from international duty with Brazil after a thigh problem forced him to cut short the team’s second friendly against Australia.

The Barcelona forward arrived in the city on Thursday after travelling from Australia via Dubai, where he had been with the Brazil squad during the current international break.

According to Sport, Raphinha came back earlier than originally planned after Brazil’s medical staff detected an oedema in his right thigh. The issue prevented him from completing the second match against Australia.

His journey home was a lengthy one. Raphinha travelled from Brisbane to Dubai before boarding a scheduled flight to Barcelona. He had initially been expected to land at about 13:00, but arrived later than planned.

Barcelona and the player made a concerted effort to keep his return out of the public eye. Security staff at El Prat Airport carried out measures to move journalists away from the arrivals area in Terminal 1, ensuring Raphinha could leave without being seen.

The club is now waiting for further medical information. Tests are due to take place on Friday, according to sources within Barcelona, and should establish the precise extent of the injury.

There is optimism at the club that the problem will not be more serious than the oedema identified by Brazil’s medical team. The results of the examinations will determine whether Raphinha has suffered any additional damage and how soon he can resume training.