Raphinha
BAR
Scores in return to action
Raphinha (hamstring) started and converted a penalty kick during Saturday's friendly meeting with Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Raphinha finally made his competitive comeback after sustaining a muscular injury while representing Brazil at the World Cup. The star attacker has stood out as one of Barca's most impressive players over the last couple of seasons, and his role is unlikely to change significantly as long as he stays healthy over the next year, even though the arrival of offseason signing Anthony Gordon could reduce his playing time or push him to a more centralized spot at times. Before having his World Cup campaign cut short by the injury, Raphinha was coming off a 16-goal and five-assist campaign across league and European competitions in 2025/26.
Back in team training
Raphinha (hamstring) was back in team training Thursday, the club posted.
Analysis: Raphinha arrived at the club's preseason camp at St George's Park after completing his vacation period following Brazil's elimination at the World Cup, where a hamstring issue limited him to the first two group matches. His return to team training is an encouraging sign, and his availability for Friday's friendly against Birmingham City will depend on how his progress is assessed by the coaching staff as manager Hansi Flick looks to gradually build him back up to full intensity.
Joins camp in England
Raphinha has joined Barcelona's preseason training camp at St George's Park, according to the club.
Analysis: Raphinha arrived Wednesday after completing his vacation period following Brazil's elimination at the World Cup, where he dealt with a muscle issue that limited him to the first two group matches. He was later declared available before Brazil's round of 16 exit to Norway but did not feature in that match. The club has not yet detailed whether he will follow the full training load from the start. His availability for Friday's friendly against Birmingham City. will depend on his progress and the coaching staff's decision. Raphinha is expected to be gradually built back up as coach Hansi Flick looks to restore his intensity and pressing threat.
Set to resume training
Raphinha (hamstring) will return to Barcelona training on Monday after recovering from the right hamstring injury he suffered at the World Cup, according to Barca Universal.
Analysis: Raphinha's return had been expected once he rejoined the squad on July 27 for the team's travel to England, which includes an eight day training camp and an official friendly against Birmingham on July 31. The club is expected to manage his reintegration carefully to avoid any relapse or further complications. The forward's extended recovery period followed an injury hit stretch during the World Cup and parts of last season. Raphinha is expected to be gradually built back up as Barcelona's preseason continues.
Aims return next week
Raphinha (hamstring) will report back to Barcelona on July 27, joining the squad's travel to England for an eight day training camp that includes an official friendly against Birmingham on July 31, according to Javier Miguel of AS.
Analysis: Raphinha is coming off a difficult World Cup that included a hamstring injury, and there has also been talk of a potential lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, though he and those around him have consistently maintained he intends to stay at Barcelona. His extended time off before rejoining the group gives him additional recovery time following an injury hit season that limited his availability at several key points, and his reintegration into training will be one to track once he arrives in England next week.
Listed to bench
Raphinha (hamstring) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Norway.
Analysis: Raphinha has been out the past two games due to his hamstring injury, but has returned for the round of 16, earning a spot on the bench. That said, it is unknown if Brazil will risk their star winger, potentially saving him if they have the game in hand. Either way, this is bright news for the team, as they cannot field their best XI without him, and he will likely be a major player in the team as they prepare to face tougher and more complete teams.
Could see minutes against Norway
Raphinha (hamstring) might be available on the bench Sunday versus Norway, as suggested by Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti, who said he "has improved a lot. He's not yet at 100 percent, but he can play a few minutes and help us.", Rodrigo Bernal of beIN Sports reports.
Analysis: Raphinha has yet to reach peak fitness, so he's not expected to start Sunday, and his inclusion may depend on how desperately the team needs to score in the second half. Meanwhile, Rayan should continue to benefit from an increased role after recording 172 minutes on the field over the two matches Raphinha missed due to the injury. The eventual return of the Barcelona star would significantly increase Brazil's attacking potential, even though he's still looking for his first goal or assist in the current World Cup after two appearances.
Could return in quarter-finals
Raphinha has returned to on-field training for the first time since suffering a grade one hamstring strain against Haiti, but will miss Sunday's round of 16 clash against Norway as he has not yet rejoined the rest of the squad, according to Barca Universal.
Analysis: Raphinha has been undergoing three personalized rehabilitation sessions per day while remaining in New Jersey as the squad travelled for their matches against Scotland and Japan, and coach Carlo Ancelotti is unwilling to rush his return given his recent history with hamstring issues. His availability will now depend on whether Brazil advance to the quarter-finals, where he could potentially be available against Mexico or England as early as July 11.
Returns to pitch training
Raphinha (hamstring) has returned to on-field training for the first time since suffering the grade one hamstring strain against Haiti, though he is unlikely to be available for Sunday's round of 16 clash against Norway, according to SPORT.
Analysis: Raphinha missed both the victory over Scotland and the round of 32 triumph against Japan while remaining in New Jersey undergoing three personalized rehabilitation sessions per day as the squad travelled for those matches. His return to pitch training marks an important milestone in his recovery, but coach Carlo Ancelotti and his staff are unwilling to take unnecessary risks given his recent history with hamstring issues. Ancelotti is expected to assess his condition further during Thursday's training session before making a final decision on his involvement against Norway. Reports from Brazil suggest his return could be pushed back until a potential quarter-final on July 11 if the medical staff determine he is not ready for the immediate knockout fixture, representing a further frustrating setback for one of Brazil's most important attacking figures.
Commits to recovery process
Raphinha (thigh) has broken his silence on social media, committing to remaining with the Brazil squad and doing everything in his power to recover as quickly as possible, according to his personal statement, per Diaro SPORT. "I love football, I love what I do and I love wearing the Brazil shirt. Whoever knows me knows how much I demand of myself and how much I work every day to improve. And that will never change. I will do everything in my power to recover and return as soon as possible. I want to be alongside my teammates, fight for our objectives and keep giving everything to honor this shirt."
Analysis: Raphinha was forced off in the 40th minute of the match against Haiti with a muscular injury to the posterior part of his right thigh, with the CBF confirming he will follow an intensive treatment protocol to accelerate his recovery. The Barcelona winger had started both of Brazil's group stage fixtures and his absence is a significant blow for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will need to find alternatives on the right flank. Reports in Brazil surrounding the player's personal and financial situation and his future at Barcelona had added noise around his situation in recent days, though his camp quickly denied the claims and his statement makes clear he has no intention of leaving the tournament. Luiz Henrique and Rayan are among the candidates to cover his position while he works toward his return.
Potentially out two weeks
Raphinha (thigh) could be sidelined for two more weeks, making his earliest possible return in the second knockout match if Brazil advance to that stage, according to O Globo.
Analysis: Raphinha's participation in the rest of the World Cup is still in doubt, even though there's a chance that he'll be ready to play in the final rounds. The star attacker suffered a worrying injury in the first half of the game against Haiti after making two straight starts on the right flank. While he had failed to meet expectations, his absence in the final group contest and subsequent fixtures is a big loss for the Brazilian squad, with Luiz Henrique and the inexperienced Rayan offering replacement candidates.
Could miss rest of World Cup with injury
Raphinha has once again injured his hamstring and his presence in the remainder of the World Cup is practically ruled out, according to Xavi Hernandez Navarro of Diario ara.
Analysis: Raphinha was forced off in the 40th minute after feeling discomfort in his right thigh, with reports indicating a fibre tear in the hamstring, the same muscle that has repeatedly sidelined him this season. Should that be confirmed, his World Cup would practically be over, dealing a major blow to Brazil's attacking options, with Rayan, Luiz Henrique or Lucas Paqueta shifted into a wide role among the possible replacements.
Thigh injury confirmed
Raphinha has been diagnosed with a thigh injury and is waiting on further assessment, according to the CBF, per Raisa Simplicio of GOAL Brazil. "The attacker Raphinha felt pain in the posterior muscle of his right thigh during the first half of the match against Haiti. The player has begun treatment and will be reassessed. When we have more information, we will let you know."
Analysis: Raphinha had to exit against Haiti and is now waiting on further assessment, with a thigh injury to be examined. This is a bit frightening for Brazil, as anything more than a minor injury could stop him from playing at the World Cup again. That said, his involvment from their final group stage is unlikely, as they will not want to risk him either way. A returning Neymar (calf) could fill his spot, with Rayan or Luiz Henrique as other options.
Off with apparent hamstring injury
Raphinha was forced off the field in the 40th minute of Friday's match against Haiti due to an apparent hamstring injury.
Analysis: Raphinha entered the match against Haiti with a few question marks due to some foot blisters, but now appears to have suffered a new injury, as he pointed to his hamstring before being taken off by the medical staff. He was able to walk off on his own weight, but the substitution coming immediately does bring some worry despite the cautious approach after taking the lead. This could end the group stage for the Brazilian, as he would be a major part of any run they make, and the federation will not want to risk his health. If this is the case, changes will be made for the group stage finale against Scotland, with Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique and Rayan all possible options.
Starts Friday
Raphinha (foot) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against Haiti.
Analysis: Raphinha is back in the squad as expected Friday, as the attacker returns despite some worries of foot blisters being a nuisance. He reclaims his typical role in the attack and will look to capitalize against a weaker Haitian defense. That said, he went without a goal contribution in their opening 1-1 draw against Morocco.
Set to start against Haiti
Raphinha will start Brazil's World Cup fixture against Haiti on Friday despite dealing with blisters on his feet that limited some of his training, according to Globo Esporte.
Analysis: Raphinha's inclusion in the expected starting lineup is a major lift for Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil chase their first win of the tournament, though the Barcelona playmaker is unlikely to see a full workload while managing the issue in a favorable matchup against Haiti. Raphinha contributed two shots and three chances created in the opener against Morocco and will look to find his first goal contribution against the Grenadiers.
Still expected to start
Raphinha (foot) is likely an option for the starting XI as Brazil face Haiti on Friday, according to Planeta do Futebol.
Analysis: Raphinha looks to be heading towards an appearance Friday, as despite some missed training due to foot blisters, the Brazilian appears to be an option. This is major news for the squad, as they look to get their first win of the tournament. As of now, he will still appear to be set to start, although more is set to be decided ahead of the contest. He is unlikely to play the entire match either way, as Brazil should handle Haiti.
Suffers blisters on foot
Raphinha is dealing with blisters on his feet and is being carefully managed by Brazil's coaching staff ahead of Friday's clash against Haiti, according to Cahe Mota of Globo.
Analysis: Raphinha led Brazil in chances created and crosses during the opening draw against Morocco, though his overall performance fell short of the standards he set during a prolific club season with 31 goals and 17 assists between La Liga and the Champions League. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has not yet confirmed whether Luiz Henrique will replace him in the lineup as the staff monitor his condition, with the Barcelona forward's workload being managed carefully heading into the rest of the tournament.
Creates three chances in debut
Raphinha had two shots (one on goal), four crosses (two accurate), three chances created and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Morocco.
Analysis: Raphinha led Brazil in chances created and crosses during their frustrating opener draw. The Barcelona forward was also one of five players co-leading the five-time world champions with two shots. His overall performance in the field was not what the fans were expecting, though, after logging 31 goals and 17 assists in the season between La Liga and Champions League.
Set for key role with Brazil
Raphinha is expected to be one of the most important players in Brazil's attack ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Raphinha was unable to match the impressive numbers he posted in 2024/25, when he had 31 goals and 17 assists between LaLiga and the Champions League, but he still managed 16 goals and five assists in 2025/26 across both competitions. Raphinha figures to be a key player for Brazil alongside Vinicius Junior, but it remains to be seen where he'll line up. If Neymar is available, Raphinha could start on the right wing, but he could also be deployed as a No. 10 in favor of starting someone like Gabriel Martinelli or Rayan on that flank. Regardless of the position, look for Raphinha to be a key player for Brazil in the upcoming tournament.
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