Raphinha checks in at Barcelona’s St George’s Park base as World Cup injury assessed

Brazil winger Raphinha has arrived at Barcelona’s pre-season camp at St George’s Park in England, where he will undergo medical tests and follow an individual recovery plan after the hamstring injury that ended his World Cup campaign.

The 27-year-old has joined up with the squad after completing his post-tournament holiday, having featured for Brazil at the World Cup staged in the United States.

Raphinha is the third senior international from Barcelona’s first team to report back for club duty, following Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, who were both knocked out of the tournament earlier than Brazil. Young Egyptian player Hamza Abdel Karim, from the club’s youth ranks, is also already with the group.

Staggered return for international contingent

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the majority of Barcelona’s international players are not expected to rejoin their club-mates until 12 August.

That group will include eight Spain internationals, as well as Anthony Gordon and Jules Kounde, who have also been given extended breaks after their involvement at the World Cup.

Their scheduled return comes roughly two weeks before Barcelona begin their league campaign away to Elche at the Estadio Martinez Valero. That match is set to be played on Sunday 23 August.

Hamstring setback at World Cup

Raphinha’s build-up to the new season is being carefully managed after he suffered a recurrence of a right hamstring problem while on international duty.

He was injured during Brazil’s second group-stage match at the World Cup, against Haiti, and did not feature again in the tournament.

Brazil were eventually eliminated in the last 16, losing 2-1 to Norway, with Raphinha watching on from the sidelines.

Before he can return to full training with the Barcelona squad in England, the forward will undergo detailed medical examinations and then work through a tailored rehabilitation programme designed to ensure he can rejoin team sessions safely.

The approach mirrors the one taken with defender Araujo, who has also been following a specific plan to manage his own physical condition after international duty.

Barcelona’s staff at St George’s Park will now monitor Raphinha’s progress closely as they look to have him ready for the final phase of pre-season and the start of the competitive campaign.