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Laporta Blasts FIFA Over Raphinha’s Five-Week Injury During International Break
Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized FIFA for prioritizing international friendlies over club competition after Raphinha sustained a right hamstring injury during Brazil’s 2-1 loss to France last week in Massachusetts.
The 29-year-old winger will miss five weeks of action, sidelining him for the Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid, a potential semifinal clash with either Arsenal or Sporting Clube, and multiple LaLiga fixtures as Barcelona battles Real Madrid for the title.
“It’s infuriating that one of your best players gets injured in a friendly between France and Brazil,” Laporta told Món Esport. “You can’t leave the responsibility of playing or not with the player, because they’re professionals who give everything for their country, but FIFA have to come up with a calendar that has the biggest club competitions in mind.”
The Barcelona chief emphasized the stakes at this stage of the season. “We’re playing for our lives at this point of the campaign. It’s shocking, but it’s an age-old discussion now.”
Recurring Injury Concerns
This marks the third time this season Raphinha has aggravated the same hamstring issue. He missed 13 games for club and country between September and November, then sat out another three matches in February. A potential return for the league Clásico against Madrid on May 10 remains possible.
Rashford Steps In
Marcus Rashford stands as the primary option to replace Raphinha in the lineup. The England international’s extended playing time this season has largely coincided with the Brazilian’s absences. Fermín López, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and João Cancelo offer alternative deployment at the position.
Rashford has contributed 10 goals and 13 assists across 39 appearances for Barcelona this campaign. Barcelona holds until June 15 to decide whether to activate a €30 million clause to convert his loan into a permanent transfer.
Defense Strengthens
Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde have returned to training, offering defensive relief for manager Hansi Flick’s squad during the final stretch. Frenkie de Jong approaches availability as well. Andreas Christensen and Raphinha remain the only long-term absentees.
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