Barcelona left sweating as former Real Madrid boss lands fresh blow | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s concerns over star wnger Raphinha’s workload during the international break have intensified after the winger was forced off during Brazil’s match against Australia with discomfort in his right thigh.

The club had been monitoring his involvement closely because of the demanding travel schedule, the number of matches involved and his importance to Hansi Flick’s side. Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players this season, so any muscular issue at this stage of the campaign is being treated seriously.

He had already scored from the penalty spot before being withdrawn at half-time, but the sight of him leaving the game with a physical problem immediately raised alarm in Catalonia.

The reaction was particularly sharp from Onda Cero journalist Alfredo Martínez, who criticised Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti on X. “Another big favour from Ancelotti… they never learn,” he wrote, in a sarcastic reference to the former Real Madrid manager.

A wider frustration showing

The frustration reflects the wider concern around Barcelona rather than simply the identity of Brazil’s coach. Raphinha’s role under Flick has expanded considerably and he has become important not only because of his goals and assists, but also because of his movement, pressing and ability to operate in different positions across the front line. Barcelona rely heavily on that versatility, especially in matches where Flick wants his forwards to press aggressively and attack space quickly.

That is why his workload with Brazil had already been discussed before the injury occurred. The winger faced a long international trip and a demanding schedule at a time when Barcelona were eager to protect the physical condition of several first-team players. The club had little control over his minutes once he joined up with the national team, but the possibility of fatigue or injury was always part of the concern.

Attention will now turn to the severity of the problem and whether Raphinha will be available when Barcelona resume domestic action. If the discomfort proves minor, Flick may escape with only a scare. If it requires a period on the sidelines, Barcelona will be without one of their most important attacking weapons at a sensitive stage of the season.

That is precisely the scenario the club had hoped to avoid when the international break began. Unfortunately, her we are now.