Barcelona Star Raphinha Ruled Out of World Cup Last-16 Tie

FC Barcelona's talented winger, Raphinha, is not anticipated to be fit in time to participate in Brazil's upcoming World Cup knockout stage match. The attacker is reportedly still a considerable distance from achieving full match fitness.

Raphinha experienced an injury setback earlier this month. During Brazil's World Cup group stage encounter, the 29-year-old was forced to leave the field due to a muscular issue.

He has since made progress, returning to individual training sessions this week. Subsequently, he rejoined the rest of Carlo Ancelotti's squad for group training activities today.

Despite this positive step, it is not expected that Raphinha's current condition will be sufficient for him to feature when Brazil faces Norway this weekend.

The five-time World Cup champions are scheduled to play against Erling Haaland's Norway in the tournament's Last-16 stage, a highly anticipated fixture set to take place in New Jersey.

However, according to reports, "Raphinha is not expected to be available to play on Sunday."

English Translation:

Barcelona star Raphinha is not expected to return to fitness in time to play his part in Brazil’s next fixture at the World Cup.

This comes amid the understanding that the attacker is still some way off full fitness.

Raphinha was dealt a setback on the injury front earlier this month. During Brazil’s World Cup group stage meeting, the 29-year-old was forced off with a muscular complaint.

He managed a return to individual training this week, before linking back up with the rest of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad in group activities earlier today.

As much is not expected to prove enough for Raphinha to feature when Brazil lock horns with Norway this weekend, however.

The five-time champions have been pitted against Erling Haaland’s Norway in the World Cup’s Last-16, a highly anticipated showdown in New Jersey.

But as per a report:

‘Raphinha is not expected to be available to play on Sunday.’