According to Diario Sport, Raphinha is focused on his recovery with the goal of returning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Raphinha now has one clear objective: to return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He believes he can still play in this tournament.

The Barcelona forward suffered a grade 1 biceps femoris strain in his right thigh during Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti in the second match of Group C. The injury occurred in an area that had been previously damaged. The following day, he underwent imaging tests at a medical center in New Jersey, which confirmed the diagnosis. This is the same muscle he strained during the March international break, when he suffered a grade 2 tear that sidelined him for five weeks.

Brazil's medical staff informed Raphinha that he would miss at least two matches: the final group stage match and the first knockout round. In the round of 16, Brazil will face Japan. In the most optimistic scenario, if Ancelotti's Brazil team can eliminate Japan, Raphinha could return for the quarterfinals, where they would face the winner between Ivory Coast and Norway.

Nothing and no one can distract the Barcelona player. He continues intensive rehabilitation training at Brazil's training center in New Jersey. To avoid disrupting his recovery, he did not travel with the Brazilian squad for the previous match. Raphinha is maximizing every moment to recover as quickly as possible.

Currently, Ancelotti has found a convincing replacement for the right winger position: 19-year-old left-footed winger Rayan. Rayan delivered an exceptional performance against Scotland, providing an assist. Rayan will start again against Japan, and many believe he has superseded Raphinha in Ancelotti's hierarchy.

Raphinha is currently isolating himself from the public attention surrounding him during the World Cup—from alleged family disputes to an offer from Al-Hilal. Regarding the family disputes, his wife Natália has denied them through regular social media updates; as for the Al-Hilal offer, according to GE, a Globo Group website, Raphinha will consider it after his World Cup campaign concludes. Al-Hilal hopes to sign a player with international prominence for their attacking line and is also in negotiations with Salah. Salah will become a free agent on July 1 after completing his successful stint at Liverpool.

Traduzido por IA.

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