Raphinha has returned to training with Brazil as he recovers from a muscle injury, aiming for a World Cup quarter-final appearance.
FC Barcelona winger Raphinha has returned to training with the Brazilian national team, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The footballer is continuing his rehabilitation after a muscle injury and aims to be available for the quarter-finals of the World Cup. However, his use is not expected in Sunday's match against Erling Haaland's Norway, valid for the round of 16.
The Brazilian took an important step towards his return by participating in training with the rest of the team on Friday. The coaching staff, however, will proceed with caution. Raphinha had suffered discomfort in the back of his right thigh during the group stage match against Haiti, forcing him to leave the pitch before half-time. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the injury, which also ruled him out of the final group match against Scotland, which they won 3-0, and the 2-1 win against Japan in the round of 16.
After undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program for two weeks, Raphinha first resumed individual training on Thursday, before joining team work on Friday. He arrived at Brazil's training center, located in Columbia Park in Morristown, New Jersey, wearing boots and running alongside Neymar as preparations continued under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti. Training took place in temperatures around 35°C, highlighting the difficult conditions the players face.
Upon his return to group training, Raphinha was greeted by his teammates with the traditional "guard of honour", going through a tunnel of playful slaps on the head before joining the session. The atmosphere reflected the group's joy at seeing one of their key players back on the field. Sources within the Brazilian camp insist that despite his return to group training, Raphinha is unlikely to be used against Norway, although he could be placed on the bench to support his teammates. The expectation is that he will be fully available for a possible quarter-final, should Brazil continue in the tournament, where they would face either England or Mexico.
Orgryte sporting director Pontus Farnerud has confirmed negotiations for Michael Parker, a midfielder linked to Celtic and other teams. The situation is becoming interesting on the market.
Tottenham are preparing to make an £85 million bid for Bournemouth youngster Kroupi, while Salah could return to Spain at Atletico Madrid. Arsenal and Liverpool are active in the transfer market with different objectives.
The Friulian club has completed two transfer operations to strengthen the midfield available to Kosta Runjaic. The new arrivals are Giorgi Chakvetadze and Unai Gomez.