Raphinha will return for Brazil's World Cup Round-of-16 clash against Norway. The Barcelona winger has recovered from a muscle injury.
What happened?
Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury during Brazil's group-stage match against Haiti on June 19.
Injury update
Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil head coach, said "Raphinha is making good progress. He's not quite at 100% yet, but he's available to be on the bench in case he needs to play a few minutes or come on at key moments."
Raphinha has been sidelined since June 19 and missed Brazil's previous two matches against Scotland and Japan.
Why it matters for Raphinha
The 29-year-old's return is a big boost for Brazil. Ancelotti praised the speed of Raphinha's rehabilitation, highlighting his importance to the national team.
"He has recovered very well and very quickly. We are very happy about this because Raphinha is a very, very important player for the team," said Ancelotti.
Raphinha rejoined full training on Friday and completed another session on Saturday without any visible discomfort.
What comes next?
Brazil's coaching staff will manage Raphinha's minutes carefully due to his hamstring issues. He is unlikely to play a major role against Norway, but could be fully fit for a potential quarter-final against either England or Mexico.
Bruno Guimaraes, Brazil's key midfielder, revealed that Raphinha is back and ready. "He's ready and has been training… Let's see what the manager decides," Guimaraes told reporters.
Raphinha's availability is a positive sign for Brazil ahead of their match against Norway. The team will be cautious with his minutes, but his return is a significant boost to their World Cup campaign.
The match against Norway will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Raphinha's return to action will be closely watched, and his performance will be crucial in determining Brazil's progress in the tournament.
On June 19, Raphinha's injury raised concerns about his availability for the rest of the tournament. However, he has recovered quickly, and his return is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Raphinha's experience and skill will be valuable assets to Brazil in their upcoming matches. His return to the team is a significant development, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
The World Cup Round-of-16 clash between Brazil and Norway promises to be an exciting match, with Raphinha's return adding an extra layer of intrigue. The outcome of the match will depend on various factors, including Raphinha's performance and the team's overall strategy.
As the match approaches, fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome, and Raphinha's return will be a major talking point. The Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, will be hoping that Raphinha can make a significant impact and help the team progress to the next round.
The stage is set for an exciting match, and Raphinha's return is a major factor in Brazil's chances of success. The team will be looking to capitalize on his skills and experience, and his availability is a significant boost to their World Cup campaign.