Raphinha Leaves Injury Behind and Steps Up His Barcelona Comeback
Raphinha has returned to Barcelona training after recovering from the injury he suffered during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking a major step toward being ready for the new season.
Raphinha Returns to Barcelona Training After His World Cup Setback
Raphinha has taken an important step forward in his recovery after returning to training with Barcelona during the club's preseason camp in England. The Brazilian winger appears to have finally overcome the right hamstring injury that limited him during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 29-year-old joined the rest of Hansi Flick's squad at St. George's Park and was welcomed by his teammates with the traditional tunnel of playful slaps. He then completed the opening portion of the training session with the group before continuing his work individually.
His return is a significant boost for Barcelona, although the coaching staff is determined to manage his workload carefully. Most of his teammates have already completed nearly two weeks of preseason training, meaning Raphinha will need time to gradually reach the same physical level.
The Injury That Disrupted Raphinha's World Cup
Raphinha arrived at the World Cup as one of Brazil's most important attacking players, but another problem in his right hamstring prevented him from playing the role he had expected during the tournament.
The forward appeared in only two matches after aggravating the same muscle injury that had already affected his campaign with Barcelona. His physical condition forced him to slow down at a crucial moment and limited his impact with the Brazilian national team.
Barcelona will hope that the problem is now firmly behind him. Raphinha's availability will be especially important for Flick, who relies on the Brazilian's intensity, movement, goal threat, and ability to operate across the attacking line.
Hansi Flick Will Manage His Return Carefully
Barcelona have no intention of rushing Raphinha back into full training. His first session was deliberately divided between group exercises and individual work as part of a progressive plan designed to reduce the risk of another setback.
The winger must rebuild his fitness after spending time away from regular training, while the rest of the squad is already further along in its preseason preparations. The club's medical and coaching teams will continue monitoring his response to each session.
Flick's priority is not simply to have Raphinha available as quickly as possible, but to ensure that he is physically prepared to handle the demands of the entire season without suffering another recurrence of the injury.
Barcelona Continue Their Physical Preparations in England
The morning session at St. George's Park once again placed a strong emphasis on physical conditioning. New first-team fitness coach Benjamin Kugel led the opening exercises before the players moved on to drills involving the ball.
The demanding workload is part of Barcelona's plan to build the physical foundations for the new campaign. Flick wants his squad to arrive at the start of the season with the intensity and fitness required to compete across several competitions.
Raphinha's gradual reintegration gives the coach another important option in attack, but his workload will continue to be controlled while he regains sharpness and confidence.
Barcelona Executives Follow the Session Closely
Barcelona sporting vice president Rafa Yuste was present at the training ground after arriving at the team's camp the previous evening. He watched the session alongside football area coordinator Bojan Krkić and sporting commission member Alejandro Echevarría.
Their presence underlines the importance of the preseason period for a club that is already planning both its sporting objectives and the final composition of the squad.
For Raphinha, however, the immediate objective is much simpler: complete his recovery, increase his workload without further problems, and arrive in the best possible condition for the start of the season.
