Huge injury boost for Brazil! Raphinha returns to training ahead of World Cup last-16 clash with Norway

Brazil have been handed a timely fitness boost ahead of their World Cup last-16 showdown with Norway after Raphinha returned to training. The Barcelona winger completed his first on-field rehabilitation session since suffering a thigh injury, giving Carlo Ancelotti renewed hope that one of his key attackers could still have a major role to play in the tournament.

Raphinha steps up recovery

Brazil’s preparations for the knockout stages received a welcome lift on Tuesday as Raphinha returned to the training pitch in New Jersey.

The 29-year-old completed an individual session as he continues his recovery from the right thigh injury that ruled him out during the latter stages of the group phase.

While the rest of the Selecao squad were given time to recover before resuming full training on Wednesday, Raphinha remained at the team’s base to continue working closely with Brazil’s medical staff in a bid to accelerate his return.

His appearance back on the grass marks a significant milestone after fears his World Cup could be over following the injury against Haiti.

Ancelotti refusing to take unnecessary risks

Despite the encouraging progress, Brazil are determined not to rush the winger back into action.

According to ESPN, Raphinha remains a doubt for Monday’s last-16 meeting with Norway, with Ancelotti expected to wait until the final stages of preparation before deciding whether to include him in the matchday squad.

Brazil are also managing Lucas Paqueta’s fitness after the midfielder picked up a thigh problem during the dramatic victory over Japan, making the medical staff even more cautious with Raphinha’s rehabilitation.

The coaching staff are closely monitoring his workload and recovery data each day, with the priority being to avoid another setback that could rule him out for the remainder of the competition.

Injury frustration continues

The latest muscle problem has added to what has been a frustrating campaign for Raphinha on the fitness front.

This is the fifth time during the 2025-26 season that he has suffered an issue involving the same thigh, having already missed matches for both Barcelona and Brazil because of recurring muscular complaints.

The injury occurred during Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, with the winger leaving the pitch visibly emotional after fearing he had suffered a far more serious setback.

Fortunately for Brazil, subsequent medical examinations confirmed a muscle strain rather than a tear, keeping alive hopes that Raphinha can return before the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

Should he continue progressing over the coming days, the Barcelona star could yet play a key role if Brazil overcome Norway and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.

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