One of the biggest stories in the Brazil World Cup camp, Raphinha’s name is being put in more headlines by members of his family.
The Barcelona forward was injured in the 3-0 win over Haiti, leaving the pitch early with Vinicius Jr later suggesting it was a relapse of a thigh issue that saw him miss 23 club games last season.
Even with the injury, he’s facing some unhelpful headlines back in Brazil.
Raphinha’s ‘financial difficulties’
Former Brazilian international Vampeta said in to the ‘RedCast’ podcast: “Raphinha is going through a serious family problem in addition to financial difficulties.
“He’s praying to see if he can go to Al Hilal. He’s dealing with this situation.
“It’s a family matter. The information reached me through people close to the situation at Barcelona.
“He is confident that the transfer to Al Hilal will allow him to turn the situation around.”
Igor Padilha, Raphinha’s cousin, responded to the claims: “You’ll have to explain these lies, my friend.”
Despite being regularly linked with a Saudi move, Raphinha admitted he was close to joining, but Hansi Flick turned everything around.
In May, he commented: “From the first day I arrived at Barcelona, they’ve been saying I want to leave. I think people don’t like seeing me here.
“There’s a journalist who wrote many things about me that were lies, saying that I met with the club, that I spoke internally about my indecision, that I didn’t know if I was going to continue or not… He’s a guy who only lies.”
Raphinha injury news
As for the short-term, Brazil announced that Raphinha is under medical supervision, but they’re yet to comment on how long he will be out.
O Globo, who have been leading Brazil’s coverage of the World Cup, have since given an injury update, saying Raphinha is expected to be back for the round of 16 onwards, should the team get there.
The CBF earlier said in a statement: “On Saturday, athlete Raphinha underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the posterior region of his right thigh.
“The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, monitored by the Brazilian National Team’s medical team, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as quickly as possible.”
Teammate Vinicius then caused concern by suggesting it was the same problem that’s kept him out for Barca.
“It’s a shame Rapha got injured,” he said.
“I think it was the same injury as last time. We’re very sad about that. I hope it’s nothing serious and that he can continue with us.”
Leave a Reply