Raphinha says Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti have already discussed how his minutes should be handled, because he is still recovering from injury and is not at one hundred percent. He goes into the international break with Barcelona still watching closely, and with a league lead on the line next Sunday at the Metropolitano.

Raphinha's warning before Singapore

Speaking to Estadio Deportivo, Raphinha said: "Ancelotti as a coach knows that he has to share out minutes. An injury, also for Brazil, would not come at my best physical moment. We have spoken. I am recovering from an injury. I am very well, but not at one hundred percent. The culés, do not be worried, I always do the maximum to be physically well."

That is a straightforward message from a player who has been decisive for Barcelona this season. He has 15 LaLiga goals and 19 goals plus 3 assists in 13 matches across all competitions, which is why any fitness concern lands harder than usual.

Brazil's trip starts in Singapore, with Japan on Saturday the 14th and Singapore three days later. Ancelotti also said the side will continue with the idea of playing with three midfielders, while suggesting the same lineup as against Australia.

Barcelona's concern over the break

The worry in Barcelona is not hard to understand. Joan Poquí argued in Foot Mercato that it makes no sense for Raphinha to travel to Singapore, pointing to the last three international breaks, when he has been injured, and the thigh issue that forced him off at half-time against Australia before he missed the match against India.

Barcelona have also benefited from his recent output. They beat Aston Villa 3-0 and Alavés 6-1 in back-to-back home games before the break, and they return to LaLiga first with 30 points from 11 games and a +34 goal difference.

Raphinha also renewed with Barcelona until 2030, so the club's concern is not about his future, but about getting him through another break in one piece. Next Sunday's trip to Atlético de Madrid is the test that matters first.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →