Barcelona ace Raphinha back in Brazil training; World Cup quarter-final return remains the target | OneFootball

In a key development, Mundo Deportivo reports that FC Barcelona winger Raphinha has rejoined Brazil’s group training sessions as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

However, he is not expected to feature in Sunday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash against Erling Haaland’s Norway.

The Brazilian international took another important step towards his return by training with the squad on Friday, but the coaching staff are expected to proceed cautiously.

Knock forced him out of recent matches

Raphinha suffered discomfort in the back of his right thigh during Brazil’s group-stage match against Haiti, forcing him to leave the pitch before half-time.

Raphinha suffered the injury in the game against Haiti. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) later confirmed the injury, which ruled him out of the Selecao’s final group game against Scotland, a 3-0 victory, as well as the team’s 2-1 Round of 32 win over Japan.

Given that he had suffered a similar injury during the 2026/27 season, there was growing concern within Barcelona over his condition.

Back with the squad

After spending the past two weeks following an intensive rehabilitation programme, Raphinha first returned to individual work on Thursday before rejoining full team training on Friday.

He arrived at Brazil’s training base at Columbia Park in Morristown, New Jersey, wearing football boots and jogging alongside Neymar as preparations continued under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The session took place in temperatures of around 35°C, highlighting the demanding conditions facing the squad.

Back in training. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

To mark his return to group training, Raphinha was greeted with the traditional “guard of honour” from his teammates, running through a tunnel of playful slaps on the head before joining the session.

The atmosphere reflected the squad’s delight at seeing one of their key attacking players back on the training pitch.

Quarter-finals the real objective

Sources within the Brazilian camp insist that despite his return to group training todau, Raphinha is unlikely to play against Norway, although he may be included on the bench to support his teammates.

Instead, the expectation is that he could be fully available for a potential quarter-final should Brazil progress, where they would face either England or Mexico.