Barcelona star to miss World Cup Last-16 clash | OneFootball

Barcelona star Raphinha is not expected to return to fitness in time to play his part in Brazil’s next fixture at the World Cup.

This comes amid the understanding that the attacker is still some way off full fitness.

Raphinha was of course dealt a setback on the injury front earlier this month. During Brazil’s World Cup group stage meeting with Haiti, the 29-year-old was forced off with a muscular complaint.

He managed a return to individual training this week, before linking back up with the rest of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad in group activities earlier today.

As much is not expected to prove enough for Raphinha to feature when Brazil lock horns with Norway this weekend, however.

The five-time champions have been pitted against Erling Haaland’s Norway in the World Cup’s Last-16, a highly anticipated showdown in New Jersey.

But as per a report from Mundo Deportivo:

‘Raphinha is not expected to be available to play on Sunday.’

Conor Laird – GSFN