WORLD CUP | Barcelona Relieved as Raphinha Not Risked in Brazil’s Round of 16 Loss vs Norway

Barcelona were relieved after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not use Raphinha in Brazil’s 2-1 World Cup Round of 16 loss to Norway on Sunday, even as the team chased the game, according to Yahoo Sports. Raphinha had been injured in Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti with a tear in the biceps femoris of his right leg, and Barcelona believed he had not fully recovered despite Brazil’s medical staff declaring him fit 15 days later; he stayed on the bench even when Brazil trailed 2-0 with 10 minutes left. With Brazil eliminated, Barcelona expect Raphinha to have more than three weeks to complete his recovery and rejoin the club on 27 July for the pre-season camp in England.