Brazil's coaching staff implemented a preventive training plan in Singapore, with Raphinha sitting out the first session. The decision gave Barcelona a positive signal about his physical condition and eased concerns over his workload.
Raphinha's training in Singapore
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, citing the Brazilian website Globo Esporte, Raphinha joined the Brazil camp earlier on Tuesday in Singapore. He limited himself to gym work during Brazil's first training session on Tuesday and did not go out onto the pitch with his teammates.
Barcelona's concern over his workload
Carlo Ancelotti has decided to handle Raphinha's physical condition with caution. Barcelona had growing concern that the pressure of matches and international travel was pushing Raphinha towards overexertion.
Raphinha's fitness carries particular weight at Barcelona, where he has become one of the key cogs in Hansi Flick's system. Flick has voiced his unease at the frequency of international trips and the physical toll piling up on his players. His concerns grew after the muscular problems Raphinha suffered during the last international break. Flick responded by demanding better management of Raphinha's minutes to stop the same muscular problems happening again. Earlier, Flick revealed he had raised the issue with Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, saying: “I spoke with Deco, and I would be happy if we could reduce the number of his playing minutes.”
Brazil's preventive approach
Raphinha's absence formed part of a preventive plan from Brazil's coaching staff, designed to manage the players' physical workloads and keep health problems at bay. Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Vanderson were also rested from Brazil's first training session in Singapore.
Brazil are preparing for two friendlies against Japan and Singapore and are keen to rebuild the physical readiness of all their internationals step by step.
