Brazil manager Ancelotti showers praise on Barcelona winger: ‘Best in the world’ | OneFootball

The Brazilian national team has not been a harbinger of good news for Barcelona in the ongoing international window, especially after all that has happened with Raphinha.

The Barcelona captain, after all, was injured in the Selecao’s first game in the break and will now miss close to five weeks of action.

Given the crucial stretch of the season ahead with the UEFA Champions League knockout stages beckoning, it is a massive blow for Hansi Flick & co.

Ancelotti’s praise for Raphinha

Raphinha’s injury is devastating for the Brazilian national team as well, albeit to a smaller extent, given how the FIFA World Cup is still considerably away.

Speaking to the media earlier today, the Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti showered praise on Raphinha for his quality and spoke about how he is one of the best players in the world, along with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.

“Madrid is Madrid, and Brazil is Brazil; with Raphinha and Vini we have two of the best in the world,” he began, praising the Barcelona star.

Ancelotti hails Raphinha as one of the best in the world. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

He then admitted how critical it is for Raphinha and Vinicius to be in their best form for the World Cup later this year.

“We need to ensure they bring all the quality they’re currently showing to the team, but I know they’ll do well because of their character and personality; they’ll have a great World Cup.”

As it stands, Raphinha is only expected to return for a potential UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg, and it is clear that it is a massive setback for Barcelona’s hopes across all competitions.

After all, the captain is not only vital for the team in terms of his attacking contributions but is also a critical aspect of the team’s pressing structure and overall stability on the field.

Source: MARCA