Brazil want Raphinha available. Barcelona, meanwhile, are worried about the physical demands of his latest international assignment.

Carlo Ancelotti has included the Barcelona captain in Brazil’s 26-man squad for November’s friendlies against Japan and Singapore. Both matches will be played at Singapore’s National Stadium on November 14 and 17, meaning Raphinha faces a round trip of roughly 22,000 kilometres.

Barcelona’s concern is understandable given the winger’s recent injury history. Raphinha suffered a muscle problem in his right thigh during Brazil’s previous international break against Australia. He was substituted at half-time and subsequently returned to Barcelona early, missing matches against Getafe and Galatasaray.

Flick Wants Raphinha’s Minutes Managed

Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga meeting with Alavés, Hansi Flick admitted that he was concerned about Raphinha’s latest international commitment.

The Barcelona coach said he had already discussed the situation with sporting director Deco and stressed how important the Brazilian is to his team.

Flick also made a simple request to Ancelotti: he would like Raphinha’s playing time to be reduced during the international break.

“If he can manage his playing time well, I’ll be happy,” Flick said.

Ancelotti Still Calls Him Up

Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona had asked the Brazilian Football Confederation not to select Raphinha for the November friendlies. However, Ancelotti decided to include him in the squad.

Brazil will face Japan on November 14 before taking on hosts Singapore three days later. Both games will be played in Singapore.

The decision has sparked debate among Barcelona supporters, particularly because the matches are friendlies rather than competitive fixtures.

Raphinha Remains Important to Brazil

Ancelotti has made it clear that Raphinha remains an important part of his plans for Brazil.

That makes a complete rest for the Barcelona forward unlikely to be guaranteed, even though the November fixtures are non-competitive.

His importance has also grown at club level. Raphinha has scored 15 goals in 11 appearances this season and has become one of Barcelona’s key attacking players under Flick.

Barcelona Have Reasons to Be Concerned

The current situation is not the first time Barcelona have worried about Raphinha’s fitness while on international duty.

He suffered a hamstring injury against France in March and later had another injury setback during the 2026 World Cup. More recently, his muscle problem against Australia forced him to leave Brazil’s camp early.

Raphinha was also unable to continue with Brazil’s previous international tour after the Australia match, returning directly to Barcelona instead of travelling on for the game against India.

Although he has since returned to action, reports indicate that he has yet to fully rediscover his best early-season form.

A 22,000km Journey Awaits

Raphinha now faces another long trip across continents, with Brazil’s November friendlies both taking place in Singapore. The total round trip from Barcelona is estimated at around 22,000 kilometres.

Flick therefore hopes Ancelotti will carefully manage his captain’s workload.

For Barcelona, the priority is simple: they want Raphinha to return from international duty healthy and ready for the demanding part of the season.