Brazil: Raphinha, Carlo Ancelotti speaks his mind

For the next international break, FC Barcelona are concerned about Raphinha’s call-up. He had already returned from international duty injured three times in 2026. The Catalan club fears the same scenario could happen again.

On Thursday, Raphinha was once again called up by Carlo Ancelotti for two friendly matches that raise some questions. Brazil will face Japan in Singapore on November 14, in a rematch of the last World Cup round of 16, which the Canarinha won 2-1, before remaining in the city-state to face its local national team, ranked 149th in the FIFA rankings.

As a result, Raphinha will make a 22,000-kilometre round trip, according to Sport.

Carlo Ancelotti explains

The Brazil coach had been expecting a request from FC Barcelona. “We have not received any specific requests,” the coach said. “We call up the players we consider important for the Brazilian team. We maintain good relations with Brazilian and European clubs, with whom we share information about the players. In general, these relationships are good,” he said.

“It is a sensitive period (in the season, ed.), which is why we have called up only one player from each team, and we decided not to take any players from Flamengo or Palmeiras because they are competing for the title,” he added during his press conference.

Read also: Official: AFCON returns to a biennial schedule

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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