FC Barcelona to investigate Raphinha's recurring injuries during Brazil duty

FC Barcelona’s medical and physical staff are set to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of winger Raphinha following his latest injury sustained while on international duty with the Brazilian national team. As the player undergoes medical examinations at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí this morning, the club’s primary objective is to identify the root causes behind his three recurring muscular injuries over the past six months. Alarmingly, all three incidents have affected the exact same area: the hamstring of his right leg, prompting urgent internal discussions regarding his training load and recovery protocols.

Club officials intend to engage in a detailed dialogue with Raphinha to determine if specific patterns in training, warm-up routines, or physical preparation during his time with the 'Seleçao' are contributing to these setbacks. The medical team is particularly interested in comparing the habits and workloads imposed by the Brazilian national staff against the rigorous, personalized regimen implemented by Benjamin Kügel, Barcelona’s new physical trainer. Despite a stellar start to the season at the club level, Raphinha’s physical condition appears to deteriorate immediately upon joining his national team, raising concerns about the compatibility of these two distinct training environments.

This pattern of injury is not new, as Raphinha has faced a series of setbacks throughout 2026. His first major issue occurred in late March during a friendly against France in Boston, which forced him to miss the critical Champions League quarter-final clash against Atlético Madrid, a tie that ultimately saw Barcelona eliminated. Subsequently, on June 20, he suffered another injury during a World Cup match against Haiti. This forced him to sit out subsequent fixtures against Scotland and Japan, and although he was medically cleared for the Round of 16 match against Norway, he remained on the bench throughout the game, highlighting the fragility of his recovery process.

The ramifications of these recurring injuries are significant for both the player and the club. For Barcelona, the loss of a key attacking asset during high-stakes periods of the season is a major strategic blow. The club is now under pressure to ensure that these physical issues do not become chronic, as the current situation suggests a disconnect between the player’s club-level fitness and his international workload. The recent decision by the Brazilian coaching staff to play him for 90 minutes in Australia, followed by another start in Melbourne shortly after a long-haul flight, has drawn internal scrutiny from Barcelona’s management regarding player management.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains cautious as Barcelona seeks to establish a sustainable path forward for the winger. Experts suggest that unless there is a coordinated effort between the club’s medical staff and the Brazilian national team’s personnel, Raphinha risks further long-term damage. The immediate goal is to prevent a recurrence of these muscle issues, which could jeopardize his availability for the remainder of the campaign. Barcelona is expected to push for more transparent communication and potentially stricter control over his physical preparation to ensure that his explosive playing style remains supported by a robust and injury-free physical foundation.